The University of Maryland’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office has announced plans to implement a new IRB electronic submission system.
UMD will be transitioning away from IRBNet, which has served as the University’s IRB submission system for the last 13 years, to Kuali-IRB. The new system is a module of Kuali Build, which is already being used on campus, such as in the inTERP system for disclosures and for ORA Gift Forms.
“We have been working hard over the past year to develop a more logistically-driven and modern IRB application process and system of record,” said Joseph Smith, Director of the University of Maryland’s Human Research Protection Program."
The new Kuali-IRB system has been developed with input from across the UMD human subject research community to improve researcher IRB experience, IRB Member experience, as well as the IRB Office staff experience.
“As with any transition, there will be bumps in the road,” Smith said. “However, in order to minimize the number and size of these bumps, we have developed a transition plan to fully transition our human subject research community to Kuali-IRB by September 1, 2026.”
Smith provided additional answers to the following anticipated frequently asked questions:
When is the Go-Live date?
The tentative go-live date is January 5th, 2026. At this point any new Initial Applications must be submitted in Kuali-IRB.
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 quickly 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.
What can I do to help the transition to Kuali-IRB?
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 and the IRB staff will close it for you. During your next IRBNet transaction before Go Live, provide an updated Initial
Application Part 2 inclusive of any changes or amendments you may have made over the course of the project. This will help to ensure a smooth transition for both you and the IRB Office.
When is the last day I can submit in IRBNet?
The IRB Office strongly advises researchers to NOT submit Initial Applications in IRBNet after December 1, 2025. However, the absolute final day to submit an Initial Application, HSRD, or 118 Letter request through IRBNet is 12:00pm (noon) on December 20, 2025. Also, 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. PLEASE NOTE: 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 before September 1, 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.
Will there be an IRB Application Blackout?
Yes. 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 HSRD, 118, and Initial Applications submitted in IRBNet after 12/20/2025 will be immediately withdrawn.
Is there an easier way to view this information?
YES! Please click here to see the Kuali-IRB Transition Matrix.
Where do I go for resources and questions?
The Transition to Kuali-IRB webpage will house all Kuali resources. All Kuali questions and transition related questions can be directed to irb@umd.edu. Your questions and comments will help improve the IRB submission and review process as we have a level of adaptability and flexibility with this system unlike our previous System. Campus-wide messaging about this transition is forthcoming from the Office of the Vice President for Research.