University of Maryland

IRB Transition to Kuali-IRB

The IRB is transitioning to a new electronic system called Kuali-IRB in 2026. Learn more below:

Date What Happens What You Need to Do
Before Dec 1, 2025 IRBNet winding down for new applications Submit any Initial Applications early
Dec 20, 2025 (by 12 PM) Final deadline for Initial Applications in IRBNet Submit Initial Application, HSRD, or 118 Letter requests
Dec 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 IRB system blackout No submissions accepted in IRBNet or Kuali-IRB
Jan 5, 2026 Kuali-IRB goes live Start using Kuali-IRB for all new applications
Before Jan 5, 2026 Prep for migration Upload an updated Part 2 of your application in IRBNet (if applicable)
July 1, 2026 IRBNet winding down for amendments Begin submitting amendments in Kuali-IRB
Aug 31, 2026 (by 12 PM) Final deadline for IRBNet amendments Submit any last amendments
Sept 1, 2026 Transition deadline All ongoing projects must be moved to Kuali-IRB, or they will be closed

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.

Kuali IRB

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.

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.
  • Help the IRB Test: Feel free to sign up to help test the new system using this Google Form link.

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!

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.