Protecting research participants is a responsibility shared by different groups, including:
OHRP
Responsible for the rules that protect volunteers in HHS funded research
Funding Organizations
Ensure that human research is conducted ethically and complies with appropriate rules and standards of protections
Research Institutions
Agree to comply with the rules and educate research personnel about appropriate conduct toward research volunteers
IRBs
Review and oversee research to ensure that research volunteers are adequately protected according to ethical standards and relevant rules
Researchers
Carry out scientifically valid and ethical research. Often this includes providing information to help people make an informed decision about participating
Individuals
Learn about the risks and benefits associated with a research study through the informed consent process, and make an informed decision about whether to participate
Talk to the research team for questions about a research study. OHRP has created a list of Questions to Ask to help participants when meeting with the research team. The institution’s human research protection office and its IRB will address participants’ concerns for the studies it conducts. Find their contact information in the study consent document.
