In many institutions outside the United States, which body reviews research involving humans to ensure ethical standards?

• A. Data Safety Monitoring Board
• B. Institutional Review Board
• C. Research Ethics Committee
• D. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that ethical oversight of research involving people is handled by an independent review body that evaluates the study before it proceeds. In many places outside the United States, that body is called a Research Ethics Committee, and it reviews the protocol to ensure risks are minimized, informed consent is appropriate and understandable, participant privacy is protected, and protections for vulnerable groups are in place. This committee also checks alignment with ethical guidelines and local laws. The other options don’t fit because a Data Safety Monitoring Board focuses on safety during a trial rather than initial ethical approval, and an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee governs animal research. While the United States commonly uses Institutional Review Boards, outside the U.S. the equivalent is typically referred to as a Research Ethics Committee.