What is the primary role of ethics committees in research?

The primary role of ethics committees in research is to review research proposals for ethical compliance. These committees assess whether proposed studies adhere to established ethical standards, which include considerations for informed consent, risk management, and the welfare of participants. Their mission is to protect the rights and well-being of individuals involved in research and ensure that the research is designed and conducted ethically. This oversight helps maintain public trust in research findings and ensures that the research community upholds its ethical responsibilities.

In contrast, developing new theories is typically the focus of researchers rather than ethics committees, while approval of funding is handled by grants and funding bodies, not ethics committees. Additionally, ethics committees do not conduct research themselves; their role is to evaluate and oversee the guidelines that govern how research is conducted, rather than being directly involved in the execution of the research.