The case for a nonprofit independent IRB; improving the ethical review of research. [Webinar, October 8, 2019]

• Webinar Recording
• Slide deck

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a hidden but critical role in the common project to advance knowledge and improve life experience. They ensure that the imperatives of science are balanced by the obligation to treat human research subjects with respect, to avoid exploitation and to protect such subjects from unnecessary harm. Because they operate without public scrutiny, there is a risk that the mission of IRBs will become subservient to other needs, particularly those of the business of medicine and science, ultimately undermining public trust in the research enterprise. Dr. Rosenfeld will present a proposal to address these concerns through the creation of a transparent and independent nonprofit IRB.

About Dr. Rosenfeld
Stephen Rosenfeld, M.D., M.B.A. is a physician trained in internal medicine and hematology. He has been a researcher at NIH, The Chief Information Office of the NIH Clinical Center and of a large independent healthcare delivery network, and the CEO of a large commercial IRB. Most recently, he was the Executive IRB Chair of another independent IRB. He serves on the boards of Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) and the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) and is the current Chair of the HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP).