What is the primary role of the community member on an REB?

• A. To bring diversity to the REB.
• B. To provide an independent perspective on the proposed research.
• C. To represent the research participant perspective.
• D. To ensure that not all REB members are academics.

Answer: (C)

A community member on an REB brings the voice of those who may participate in research, ensuring their perspectives are considered in decisions about study risks, benefits, and the informed consent process. This perspective grounds the board’s judgments in what participation actually feels like for people and communities, including concerns about privacy, cultural sensitivities, and how information is communicated.

Their input helps the committee weigh whether recruitment strategies, consent materials, and potential harms align with participants’ interests and values, not just academic or institutional considerations. While having an external and diverse mix is important and an independent view is valuable, the primary contribution of a community member is representing the research participant perspective, ensuring protections and respect for participants are central to the review.