Q&A

eIRB: Can I reopen a study in eIRB that has been closed in HSERA?
Studies that have closed or expired within <1 year of eIRB launch will be available in eIRB for you to reopen, as needed. If the study has been closed or...
Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 8:46 PM
eIRB: How long will I have access to my existing and prior studies in HSERA?
HSERA will be accessible in a view-only format for one-year post-launch. You will be able to download documents as well. It is strongly encouraged that you ...
Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 8:38 PM
eIRB: If someone is listed on an existing protocol in HSERA but is no longer at Penn, will they be migrated to eIRB?
They will be migrated, but show up as inactive in eIRB. You should remove them before or after migration for accurate record keeping.
Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 8:39 PM
eIRB: If we have a legacy protocol number, can we continue using it in documents, or should we use the new eIRB protocol number?
You may continue to use your legacy protocol number in study documents and cover letters. The system allows you to search by either the legacy or the new eI...
Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 8:36 PM
eIRB: Is there anything to consider for protocols where Penn serves as the single IRB?
The IRB will reach out to teams managing sIRB studies and work with them to add relying study sites to eIRB before or at eIRB launch. The IRB will assist wi...
Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 8:47 PM
eIRB: What is the approach for launch?
The launch approach impacts all studies on the same day (exact date is TBD, but sometime in early February 2026).
Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 8:33 PM
eIRB: Will the new IRB numbers have the same format?
The IRB is shifting to a number format that uses a combination of year and count. For example, the first submission created in eIRB in 2026 would be 26-0000...
Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 8:35 PM