Definition
Institutional Ethics Committees (IECs) are formal bodies that review and monitor research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards before and during execution.

Introduction
Even the most well-meaning researchers can overlook ethical nuances. IECs act as guardians of public trust, ensuring that every project aligns with human rights, animal welfare, and societal values.

Explanation
IECs evaluate research proposals for informed consent processes, risk-benefit balance, privacy protection, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. Their composition includes scientists, legal experts, social workers, and laypersons to provide diverse ethical perspectives.
Committees conduct periodic monitoring, approve amendments, and may suspend projects violating norms. Their decisions are guided by international frameworks like the Declaration of Helsinki and CIOMS Guidelines.
Ethics committees thus institutionalize conscience within the research system, ensuring accountability beyond individual morality.

Key Takeaways
IECs ensure that science serves humanity, not vice versa. Ethical review transforms individual morality into institutional integrity.

Real-World Case
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) mandates ethical approval by IECs for all biomedical studies, a policy that has drastically reduced unethical trials in the country.
Reference: https://www.icmr.gov.in