What is an IRB?

IRB stands for "Institutional Review Board." There are regulations that govern the conduct of research that involves human subjects, and one such regulatory mandate is the requirement for an institution that engages in human research to create an IRB. An IRB is a group of individuals who are tasked with approving and overseeing research that involves human subjects. Their job is to ensure that the research is carried out ethically, as safely as possible, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

What is an HRPP?

HRPP stands for "Human Research Protection Program." An HRPP is the overall apparatus at an institution that serves to protect human participants in the research conducted at the institution. An HRPP includes the IRB, but also includes other components, such as Conflict of Interest review committees, radiation and biosafety committees, post-approval monitoring programs, and more.