New IRB Submission System

In 2025, the IRB will launch a new system to replace HSERA. The rationale for the new system is as follows:

• Current processes utilize a connection between HSERA & Penn ERA Human Subjects module.
  
  • Inter-dependence causes technical problems, slowness, and inefficiencies in the workflow.
  • Only some information can be found in one system versus the other, which affects reporting and tracking capabilities.
• Updating HSERA application questions is inefficient and costly under the current model
• HSERA is subject to Penn server interruptions
• HSERA is not designed for single IRB review of multiple sites
• The system is aging and should be modernized (HSERA is 16 years old)
• The application used to design HSERA will be retired.

 

This new system will be called the Human Research Application Portal. The IRB is making plans for written communications about launch, town halls with Q&A, training sessions, and written reference materials for the new system. Town halls and training sessions will be recorded for retrospective viewing.

 

Future written communications and town halls will provide critical information about migration of existing paper and HSERA protocols to the new system. Faculty and research staff attendance at town halls will be strongly recommended. Please be on the look out for future announcements on this topic.