Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are mandated by federal law and international codes of research ethics to provide independent review of proposed studies involving human subjects, with the goal of preventing or reducing unethical research and harm to study participants. While there is broad agreement that serious breaches of research ethics have occurred historically, some critics of IRBs argue they have become increasingly restrictive over time and that some current IRB practices unduly impede scientific progress without significantly improving the ethical conduct of research or preventing harm to research participants. Others posit that current IRB practices are essential for preventing unethical research practices, or that even morestringent review is required. Professors Morris, Jussim, and Mason will share their critiques of current IRB practices and suggestions for improving IRB performance, drawing from their recently published Mudd Code: https://journalofcontroversialideas.org/article/5/2/299/htm. Dr. Monico will share his perspective as an experienced IRB Chair on the Morris article, its conclusions, and the proposed Mudd Code.
Please join us for a friendly discussion.