Electronic Research Administration and Data Analytics
When asked on NPR’s morning edition if he were in any way scared of the prospects of Artificial Intelligence getting out of control, Apple CEO, Tim Cook replied, “I don’t really worry about machines thinking like people; I worry about people thinking like machines. Because it’s the absence of humanity in products that create the issue.” He added that automation of certain tasks possibly giving us back an hour in our day to help boost our productivity is generally a good thing. (Inskeep 6/5/2018)
An ERA software solution for research administration and compliance is not about removing personal interactions and support services. Instead, it focuses on improving time utilization and productivity.
Electronic Research Administration
Over the last few years, the research community has experienced a shift towards a more efficient and eco-friendly environment. This shift has resulted in the development of a system known as Electronic Research Administration, or eRA. The eRA system enhances a research administrator's ability to manage proposals and awards while simultaneously providing department administrators and faculty greater transparency into the proposal and award stages of projects. The systems provide electronic creation, submission, workflow, review, approval and communication surrounding compliance with IRB, IBC, IACUC and animal operations in addition to conflict of interest. Increased functionality and transparency allow for the continuous improvement of monitoring and management processes.
Status of eRA at Auburn – UPDATE
Conflict of Interest and IRB will begin onboarding, process analysis, iterations and testing this summer and into the fall with "GO-LIVE" anticipated for Early spring semester 2024
Implementation Timeline estimates*
| Conflict of Interest | 6/5/2023 - 12/31/2023 |
| IRB | 7/1/2023 - 2/16/2024 |
| Grants & Agreements w/Proposals | 11/1/2023 - 12/2/2024 |
| IACUC | 7/1/2024 - 6/30/2025 |
| Animal Operations | 7/1/2024 - 6/30/2025 |
| IBC | 7/1/2025 - 12/1/2025 |
*Timeline is subject to change.
Martha M. Taylor
Assistant Vice President for Research
era@auburn.edu
Research and Innovation Center
540 Devall Drive, Suite 200
Auburn, AL 36832
Phone: 334.844.4784