B03 - Trust me, I Know What I'm Doing: SBER Edition!

At every level, SBER depends on trust: public trust in the research enterprise, community trust in institutions and investigators, and—less often discussed—trust between investigators and the IRB. When trust is strong, reviews proceed efficiently and protections are meaningful; when trust frays, even minimal-risk studies can stall. This session unpacks how trust (and mistrust) flows among SBER investigators, IRB members, and institutional leaders, shaping the culture and day-to-day functioning of HRPPs. This session will focus on high-risk areas common in SBER, including privacy, confidentiality, stigma, and power dynamics. It will explore how transparent communication, shared expectations, and respectful feedback can strengthen ethical decision-making, particularly in SBER approaches like qualitative research. Participants will also discuss practical steps for rebuilding trust following missteps, audit findings, or challenging protocol reviews.