Timeline
IRB Module Transition Timeline
-
Now – August 9, 2026Normal IRB operations. Investigators are encouraged to submit time-sensitive IRB items as early as possible. -
August 10-20, 2026 (IRB Submission Freeze Period)The IRB module will be unavailable. New IRB submissions will not be accepted, except for limited exceptions described below (e.g., emergency use, Just-in-Time, and certain reportable events). Responses on pending submissions will be accepted and encouraged in order to get protocols approved for Wave 1 conversion.
-
August 24, 2026 (IRB Module Go-Live)The new myUABResearch IRB module will go live. Only studies included in Wave 1 conversion will be available in the IRB module at launch.
-
Post Go-Live (Wave 2 Interim Period)Some studies will remain in IRAP until Wave 2 conversion. Investigators may need to work in both IRAP and myUABResearch during this time, depending on the status of their studies.
-
Protocols not approved by the Wave 2 conversion will have to be resubmitted as new protocols in myUABResearch.
Additional reminder communications will be sent as the IRB module implementation approaches, including focused guidance on submission planning and key deadlines.
Do you have additional questions? Please visit our FAQs page for more information.
IRB Submission Planning Guide
(IRAP → myUABResearch Transition)
| Submission Type | Time-Sensitive Approvals – IRAP Submission Deadlines | Less Urgent – Consider Submitting in myUABResearch | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt / NHSR | Submit by late June / early July | Submit directly in myUABResearch on or after August 24 | Faster review (approximately 12–30 days median), but still allow buffer. |
| Expedited Studies | Submit by mid-June | Submit in myUABResearch on or after August 24 | Median review time approximately 40–80 days; build in revision cycles. |
| Full Board / Clinical Trials | Submit by late May to early June | Consider submitting after myUABResearch go-live unless urgent | Longest timelines (approximately 60–100+ days); high risk of missing Wave 1 if delayed. |
| Amendments (Procedural) | Submit by early to mid-July to ensure approval before August 20 | Avoid submitting just before Wave 2; otherwise submit after conversion in myUABResearch | Pending amendments will block conversion. |
| Personnel Amendments | Submit by late July (short review times) | Can wait and submit after August 24 if non-urgent | Typically quick (approximately 2–3 days median). |
| Continuing Reviews | See detailed table below | See detailed table below | Must be approved—not just submitted—to enable conversion. |
| Reportable Events | Submit as needed prior to August 10 | Allowed during freeze if urgent | Exception category. |
| Emergency Use / Just-in-Time (JIT) | Submit in IRAP and notify |
Submit via alternate process during freeze; upload after go-live | Exception category. |
Continuing Review (CR) Submission Deadlines
- Submit continuing reviews (CRs) 6–8 weeks before protocol expiration.
- Only fully approved protocols migrate in each conversion wave.
- Wave 1 cutoff: August 20.
- Wave 2 cutoff: October 2 (assumed).
| Protocol Expiration Date | Where to Submit CR | CR Submission Deadline | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before October 12, 2026 | Submit in IRAP | Submit 6–8 weeks before expiration (approximately August 1 or earlier for early September expirations) | Must remain active in IRAP through Wave 2; cannot wait for myUABResearch. |
| August 10 – October 12, 2026 (high-risk period) | Submit in IRAP before August 10 | No later than August 8–9 | Avoid expiration during the freeze period and ensure study continuity. |
| After October 12, 2026 | Wait and submit in myUABResearch (if study converts) | Submit 6–8 weeks prior to expiration in the new system | These studies should convert in Wave 1 or Wave 2. |
| Late October–November 2026 Expirations | Prefer submitting after conversion in myUABResearch | Submit in the system where the study resides post-conversion | Avoid duplicate or conflicting submissions. |
| Not Converted by Wave 2 | Submit continuing review in IRAP if expiration is before October 1; otherwise follow new submission rules | Based on expiration timing | After Wave 2, IRAP becomes read-only; unconverted studies must restart. |
Key Planning Takeaways
- Back-plan from August 10: All submissions intended for Wave 1 must be fully approved by August 20, not just submitted.
- Work backwards from typical review times (often 1–3 months depending on study type) to set submission targets.
- Avoid "last-minute" amendments or continuing review submissions before either conversion wave, as these may prevent migration.
- Expect dual-system work (IRAP and myUABResearch) between August 24 and October 2.
- There is only one submission freeze (August 10–23), but Wave 2 still carries risk if submissions are in progress at the cutoff.