ERA: Streamlining sponsored research

By Jan R. Holloway, UITS; Lauren J. Bryant, RUGS; and Shannon F. Walden, R&SP

IU faculty and staff are turning to an efficient Web-based system to handle many of the processes and transactions that make up the administrative component of sponsored research. The Electronic Research Administration System (ERA) under development at IU streamlines the budget and reporting processes, automates submissions to the NIH/NSF, and offers various tools. Once ERA is fully functioning across IU, it will ensure that the university remains fully compliant with all regulations and requirements that accompany sponsored research.

ERA will provide enhanced storage for data about sponsored research and will facilitate communication between internal and external electronic systems. Under development are modules on budgets, conflict of interest, human subjects, and other components relating to risk and compliance.

Future development will focus on reporting tools, a mechanism for automating submissions to NIH/NSF, and integrating ERA with the OneStart portal. Other components will automate the routing and approving of documents, submit proposals to the research office, manage funds, and monitor the university’s compliance with external agencies. Security is an important feature of ERA – various safeguards ensure that all business and transactions are conducted in a secure environment.

The advantages of ERA are many. Along with bringing new efficiencies and streamlining many processes, ERA will also conserve staff time and cut down on duplication of effort.

Testing the system are some 50 "early adopters" at IUB and IUPUI who are trained to use the electronic routing form and budget module. Their feedback plays a vital role in helping developers modify the system and enhance its usability. Among them is Dr. Janice Blum, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, who offers this advice to new ERA clients, "Jump into it — Don’t hold back — ERA will make your job easier!"

For information about becoming an ERA early adopter, visit the ERA communication Web site at http://www.indiana.edu/~era/ or contact Avery Nelson, ERA Systems Administrator, at avnelson@iupui.edu, 317.274.8285.