What is the purpose of an "IRB application"?

The purpose of an "IRB application" is to formally request approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) for research studies that involve human subjects. This application serves as a comprehensive document that outlines the study's methodology, participant recruitment strategies, informed consent processes, and how risks to participants will be minimized while benefits are maximized. The IRB reviews this application to ensure that the research adheres to ethical standards, protecting the rights and welfare of participants.

In contrast, seeking external funding for research projects does not pertain directly to the IRB's responsibilities; rather, it involves financial support agencies. Enrolling participants in a research study is a subsequent step that occurs after obtaining IRB approval, as researchers cannot ethically initiate participant recruitment without ensuring that their study has been evaluated and approved. Collecting demographic information from potential participants is also not the primary function of the IRB application; it may be part of the research design, but it does not encompass the critical ethical review that the IRB is responsible for. Thus, the IRB application is specifically focused on obtaining necessary ethical oversight before conducting research involving humans.