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About eRA

The Case for a Centralized Approach

Research universities operate in a complex environment, managing multiple grants, awards, and compliance requirements simultaneously. A consolidated Electronic Research Administration (eRA) system offers a centralized platform to streamline and support every stage of the research lifecycle, from proposal submission to award closeout.

Notre Dame has selected Novelution as the provider of our new electronic research administration (eRA) system. The University currently uses the Novelution platform to support the development of Current and Pending and Other support documents and Conflict of Interest Management. The new eRA system will add Proposal Development and Submission, Grant and Agreement Processing, Post-award Grants Management, Biosafety, Human and Animal Subjects, Research Security, Export Control, and Effort Reporting.

Institutional Objective

The primary goal of this initiative is to provide a best-in-class centralized system for managing the research life cycle by minimizing risk, maximizing efficiency, optimizing planning, and providing on-demand reporting to empower data-driven decision-making across the institution.

With the launch of Notre Dame's ten-year strategic framework in 2023 and new leadership at various levels, there is a recognized need for investment in infrastructure, specifically tools that will support research growth in the coming decade.

Diagram shows current separate solutions funneling into a future integrated research solution.

Key Benefits of a Consolidated eRA System

  • Streamlined Workflows: A unified system replaces disconnected tools, reducing redundancy and manual errors.

  • Improved Compliance and Transparency: Ensure adherence to federal regulations and institutional policies with automated tracking and reporting tools.

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Provide a single source of truth where researchers, administrators, and leadership can collaborate seamlessly.

  • Scalability: A robust eRA system grows alongside the institution’s research portfolio, accommodating future needs without disrupting operations.

  • Actionable Insights: Advanced reporting and analytics tools enable data-driven decision-making at every level of research administration.

Why It Matters to Researchers and Staff

  • For Researchers: Spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on what matters—conducting groundbreaking research.

  • For Administrators: Simplify processes, improve accuracy, and gain better transparency throughout the research lifecycle.

  • For Leadership: Gain institution-wide visibility into research activities and outcomes to support strategic planning and investment.

Investing in a consolidated eRA system is not just about upgrading technology—it’s about empowering the entire research community at Notre Dame to achieve more, with less effort, and with greater impact.