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 Commitment began onboarding on June 5 and is NOW LIVE!! The IRB began onboarding, process analysis, iterations and testing mid-august continuing into the fall with "GO-LIVE" anticipated for the end of June 2024. Grants and Agreements is well underway with go-live on January 10, 2025. Negotiations are underway for IACUC and Animal Operations.
Implementation Timeline estimates*
| Conflict of Interest | 6/5/2023 - 12/31/2023 LIVE!! |
| IRB | 8/21/2023 - 6/3/2024 |
| Grants & Agreements w/Proposals | 11/1/2023 - 1/10/2025 |
| IACUC | 4/1/2024 -12/31/2025 |
| Animal Operations | 6/1/2024 - 5/30/2025 |
| IBC | 9/1/2024 - 2/1/2025 |
*Timeline is subject to change.
Martha M. Taylor
Assistant Vice Provost for Research
and Scholarship Analytics
era@auburn.edu
Research and Innovation Center
540 Devall Drive, Suite 303D
Auburn, AL 36832
Phone: 334.844.4784