iRIS Frequently Asked Questions

iRIS is short for Integrated Research Information Systems. It is a web-based system that enables online application submission, real-time submission tracking, review, post-approval compliance activities, and data management. It is used to process all of the research applications that are submitted to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Institutional Review Board (IRB). The system also functions as a document repository, providing investigators with easy access to submission records and study documents.

Investigators can use the system anywhere they have Internet access, helping to connect faculty, researchers, students, and partners around the world in one portal. iRIS promotes a paperless office and supports a greener and cleaner environment.

The system's login page is located at https://iris.tamu.edu/. Researchers need to use either their NetID or their UIN and associated password (please note that the office does not maintain or know passwords) and can login by clicking on the appropriate icon.

• Faster review process and communication of status – Electronic submission will reduce processing time and speed up the time to approval. PIs and study contacts will receive approval letters by email immediately after they are prepared.
• Study information at your fingertips – Where you have Internet access, you have access to your protocol information.
• Improved document management – The system identifies which documents are currently approved, helping you use the correct versions.
• Intuitive application – The application will branch out based on how you answer key questions, so you won't have to figure out which supplements to submit.
• Documentation of submission for sponsors – You will have a record of each document that you submit.
• Easier access to approval records – Study approval records will be accessible to PIs, study staff, and key departmental administrators.

First, attempt to log in on the SSO website via NetID or UIN. If unsuccessful or you still need assistance, call the iRIS support line at 979.845.4969, during normal business hours.

To change your account information, email RCB Outreach.

Call the iRIS support line at 979.845.4969, during normal business hours or email RCB Outreach.

You may not be able to see some studies because they have not been properly assigned to you. Contact the principal investigator and ask them to check for your name on their key study personnel list. If you are missing your own studies, contact the iRIS support line at 979.845.4969, during normal business hours, or email RCB Outreach.

The "Track Location" feature is the best method of finding this information. The submission sign-off rows are marked complete once the user has signed-off. Also you will notice a time stamp of receipt and if signed you will see a completed time stamp on the "Date Received/Date Completed' column. The items that read "in process" are pending.

"Track Location" will show the present disposition of your submission. It will display both the submission's past and pending events. Completed items are marked with a check mark while pending items show an "in process" icon.

Submit a "Miscellaneous Study Form" to send documents to the board outside of the original submission.

Make sure your pop up blocker is not on while using iRIS. Turn it off in your internet browser settings for the duration of your time in the system.

Open the study the correspondence is referring to and click "Study Correspondence." Click "Post a Reply to this Topic" to respond. For example, if you receive an e-mail from iRIS in your Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, or other email account, clicking "Reply" will send your message to the general iRIS inbox and not to a specific person. To properly reply, you must do so within the iRIS application.

The submission response form is a communication tool that provides a method for the Review Board to request additional information from the Investigator.

Revisions are only allowed for documents that have already been submitted. First, you must find the document that you want a revision of then click the "Revision" button that is next to it. The version numbers that are associated to the document will update automatically. *Caution, if you are asked to enter a version number then the revision process was not properly followed so you have to start over. The Revision function will also help assure that your documents are both organized and current. Remember to attach the documents to your submission.

The review board can only see "submitted" documents. Your uploaded documents are kept in your study's file and the review board cannot access them until they are submitted. Therefore, remember to attach and submit those documents that you want the review board(s) to view.

Key study personnel access varies based on their study role. For example, a principal investigator, co-investigator, and study coordinator can access both applications and documents. Study contacts will receive notifications and alerts.

The submission response form is found either under the incomplete tasks or the outstanding submission section found in study management of iRIS.

Open your study, click submissions history then click the track location icon next to your desired submission. Review the events for the submission receipt.

With the application open, click the printer friendly button.

Include them as key study personnel. Each will receive an e-mail with instructions to review and sign-off plus have access to all study documents.

You will continue to be notified so that all involved will know of any outstanding issues until all signatures have been completed, including the chair.

If you have no outstanding tasks on your home screen then you have done what was expected of you.

You will continue to receive notices until all signatures are captured. But to see 'who' has not signed, click on the track submission icon and you will see who has not completed the signature. You can also tell because they do not have complete time stamp.