IRB Transition to Kuali-IRB
The IRB is transitioning to a new electronic system called Kuali-IRB in 2026. Learn more below:
New IRB Submission System: Kuali-IRB
In 2026, the IRB will launch a new system to replace IRBNet. The rationale for the transition is that IRBNet does not offer the flexibility UMD investigators require. The new system will be called Kuali-IRB. It is a module of Kuali Build, which is already being used by other entities on campus, such as the inTERP system for disclosures and ORA Gift Forms.
Future written communication will provide critical information about migration of existing IRBNet projects to Kuali-IRB. The IRB will also send out information regarding launch, office hours, training sessions, and written reference materials for the new system. Please be on the lookout for future announcements on this topic.
Transition Matrix
The transition matrix (PDF) allows investigators to determine when to transition projects based on their next transaction.
The Where Do I Submit? Decision Tree (PDF) can assist investigators who need to determine where to submit a new project or their next transaction for an active project.
What YOU Can Do!
- Close eligible projects: If your project is no longer enrolling, collecting data, or working with identifiable research data, you can close the project! Email irb@umd.edu with the IRBNet ID to let us know and we will close it for you.
- Update Part 2: We advise all researchers to update their Initial Application Part 2 form to reflect the current research procedures during your next amendment submission. This will aid significantly in the Kuali transition and ensure that all documentation is consistent and up-to-date.
FAQs
When does Kuali-IRB go live?
The tentative go-live date is January 5th, 2026.
Will I have to move my project from IRBNet to Kuali-IRB?
If you have an active project (Exempt/Expedited/Full Board) that will continue beyond August 31, 2026 – YES!
What does Transitioning a project to Kuali-IRB Entail?
Transitioning to Kuali-IRB requires investigators to manually transition each project, as there is no automated process available. Here’s what the process involves:
- Application Form Completion
- Investigators need to fill out the application form in Kuali-IRB.
- The form is similar in structure to the Part 2 Application, allowing those with an updated Part 2 Application to copy and paste certain sections directly.
- Besides copying and pasting, investigators may need to answer multiple-choice or multi-select questions throughout the form.
- Uploading Supporting Documents
- All active supporting documents, such as recruitment materials, consent forms, and survey/interview questions, must be uploaded into Kuali-IRB.
NOTE: Ensure that the submission reflects the most current, approved version of the activities. Additionally, only include activities that will be conducted moving forward. For example, if there are multiple versions of the consent form that are no longer in use, include only the version currently in use and describe the process for obtaining consent using that version.
Project status during the transition will not change. The transition is purely administrative, meaning project activities can continue during the transition. Once the transition is complete, the IRBNet project will close and all subsequent transactions will take place in Kuali-IRB.
Can Co-Investigators or other listed folks on IRB projects transfer projects from IRBNet to Kuali-IRB, or is this task restricted to only the primary PIs?
It is not restricted to the PI. The protocol will route to the PI, and they must sign before it can be submitted.
Will my project receive another IRB review if it is transitioned from IRBNet to Kuali-IRB?
NO! Your project will be checked for consistency with the IRBNet project and administratively acknowledged. This will not affect the project’s approval status as it will remain in its approved state during the transition.
When is the last day I can submit on IRBNet?
- The IRB Office strongly advises researchers to NOT submit Initial Applicationsin IRBNet after December 1, 2025. However, the ABSOLUTE FINAL DAY you can submit an Initial Application, HSRD, or 118 Letter request through IRBNet is 12:00pm (noon) December 20, 2025.
- The IRB Office strongly advises researchers to NOT submit Amendments in IRBNet after July 1, 2026. However, the ABSOLUTE FINAL DAY you can submit an amendment through IRBNet is 12:00pm (noon) August 31, 2026.
- Your project must be transitioned out of IRBNet to Kuali-IRB before September 1, 2026.
What if I don't transition my application/project to Kuali-IRB before September 1st, 2026?
If not transitioned before September 1, 2026, the IRB Office will consider your project inactive and it will be closed on September 2, 2026.
Closed means all human subjects research activities must cease. This includes analysis of identifiable information. IRBNet will then transition into Read-Only mode and the Kuali transition window will close.
When is the IRB application blackout for new projects?
For two weeks 12/21/2025 to 1/4/2026 HSRD, 118, and Initial Applications will not be accepted in IRBNet or Kuali-IRB. Any Initial Applications submitted in IRBNet after 12/20/2025 will be immediately withdrawn.
Resources
Kuali-IRB Drafting Tools
These documents are available to help investigators draft protocols collaboratively in Google Docs and prepare submissions ahead of the transition. Then, once Kuali-IRB is live on January 5, 2026, investigators can copy and paste from the draft into Kuali for any free text or rich text questions.
Note that these documents are subject to minor changes while we refine the system prior to launch.
DO NOT submit these forms to the IRB in Kuali-IRB OR IRBNet – they will be completed within the Kuali system when the transition begins.
- IRB Protocol: Use this form to draft new projects that will be submitted in Kuali-IRB or to draft submissions of projects transitioning to Kuali-IRB from IRBNet. This is the equivalent of the IRBNet Initial Application (Parts 1 and 2).
Additional forms (Amendment, Human Subject Research Determination Form, etc) are forthcoming.
