Launch of eIRB and Important Dates

 

Please read this notice carefully.

 

The Penn eIRB System (eIRB) is targeted to replace HSERA as the IRB online submission system on February 9, 2026.

 

NOTE: The launch date and all dates that follow are somewhat tentative, should an unexpected issue arise during launch preparations. If this date changes, the IRB will provide an updated notice. However, if this happened, it is expected that launch would only be delayed 1-2 weeks. Tentative dates are being communicated to give the research community time to prepare time sensitive submissions.

 

Assuming a February 9th launch date, HSERA will become READ ONLY end of business day Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The IRB is strongly recommending submission of any paper submissions AND draft submissions in HSERA by end of day Monday, February 2, 2026 to allow submission migration to eIRB.

  • Even if the submission is pending PI and department chair approval, it will migrate to eIRB. There is no need for you to contact PIs and department chairs for rush approvals.

 

From Tuesday, February 3 – Friday, February 6 the IRB staff will still be conducting reviews of your submissions. During this period, submissions will not be returned in HSERA. Please look out for email communications directly from the IRB staff if additional information or changes are needed from you. Please respond via email during this timeframe.

 

NOTE: You will not be able to submit to the IRB in either system between Tuesday, February 3 – Sunday, February 8. The IRB may accept submissions meeting emergent criteria (i.e. requests related to a grant deadline, expiring research, single patient compassionate use requests, exception requests, etc.) during this time, via email to PROVOST-IRB@pobox.upenn.edu.

 

You may still access and download your study documents and approval letters in HSERA while it is view only.

 

Once again, we encourage all faculty, research staff, fellows, and students to review session recordings and written resources on the eIRB webpage (https://irb.upenn.edu/eIRB) to ensure awareness and a smooth transition. Also consider signing up for the following sessions:  

 

Thank you for cooperation during this time! We look forward to this launch being a success.

 

Happy New Year!