What does ERB mean in PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

An Ethics Review Board is a body or committee that reviews research projects involving human or animal participants to ensure they are ethically sound. The board assesses the risks and benefits associated with the study, and determines whether it has been designed in accordance with necessary ethical guidelines.

Research projects need to be reviewed by an Ethics Review Board to protect potential participants from any potential harm from being part of the study, as well as ensuring that their rights and dignity are respected throughout the course of the project. This review process also serves to protect researchers from unethical practices.

An Ethics Review Board should consist of individuals representing different areas of expertise - for example, medical professionals, lawyers, and members of academia - as well as end-users who may be affected by the research findings. The board should also have members who represent the general public, such as community representatives.

Generally speaking, an Ethics Review Board should meet quarterly or at least twice a year in order to monitor any changes in the research environment that may require additional review or oversight.

Approval times can vary depending on the complexity of the research project and how quickly required information can be submitted for review. Most boards do their best to provide prompt feedback but this also depends on available resources and staffing levels. Generally speaking, approval timelines range from a few weeks up to six months or longer.

Yes, it is possible for a researcher's ethics application to be rejected by an ERB if they have not provided sufficient information about potential risks and benefits associated with the study design or if it appears that ethical considerations have been overlooked when designing the project. In such cases, it is important for researchers to address any issues raised during assessment before proceeding with their project.

Once approval has been granted by your ERB you can proceed with your proposed activity ensuring all approved protocols are followed at all times during data collection, analysis and dissemination processes. Depending on your institution's regulations additional approvals may still be required prior issuing permission letters etc.