HIV/AIDS Glossary

An independent committee of medical, scientific, and nonscientific members established to review, approve, and monitor research involving human participants. An institutional review board (IRB) protects the rights and welfare of human participants by assuring that a clinical trial is well-designed, does not involve undue risks, and includes safeguards for participants. Most, but not all, clinical trials in the United States are approved and monitored by an IRB.