Find out about the two new tools to support the research management process at Sussex: Worktribe and Ethics Research Manager.
Overview
What it is: We are introducing two modern, cloud-based software systems to support research staff and academics to collaborate on research processes. The RMS project supports our Research with Impact strategy to deliver a modern, cloud-based Research Management System.
Why it’s better for you: The new streamlined systems aim to reduce the administrative burden on staff and improve collaboration on research.
Why it’s better for the University: It will help us improve how we handle research data, allow us to make more data-driven decisions, and allow us to overhaul outdated systems.
When it’s happening: The Worktribe system went live for end-users on 1 May 2024 and is currently transitioning to business-as-usual. Infonetica’s Ethics Research Manager was procured in April 2024 and will be implemented and rolled out in 2025.
Ethics Research Manager (Ethics RM)
In the second phase of the project, we are working on the implementation of an ethics application and review system.
Infonetica’s Ethics RM is a cloud-based software system designed to manage the ethical application and review process for research at Sussex, and will be used by staff and students across the University.
- Expected outcomes
Ethics RM will be a key enabler for world-class research, by:
- providing a platform for collaboration in ethics applications
- improving the recording and auditability of ethics outcomes
- ensuring compliance with regulations
- reduce administrative burden on academic and Professional Services staff.
- What’s included
- a shared platform for researchers to submit applications for ethical review
- a main application form with a streamlined pathway for REC designations
- an improved amendments process with track changes
- an ability to collaborate and transfer applications across researchers
- remind features for all users, including approaching end dates
- incorporation of Sponsored and Animal research projects
- improved reviewer functionality, including committee approvals
- automatic creation and publication of review outcome letters
- audit capability to review live research projects.
Worktribe
Worktribe is a cloud-based software system designed to provide an integrated solution to manage the research and knowledge exchange pre-award process up to point of award, along with support for negotiation and agreement of research contracts.
- Expected outcomes
Worktribe will be a key enabler for world-class research, by:
- providing a platform for collaboration
- streamlining review and approval workflows
- improving the recording and visibility of management information, and allowing data-driven decision making
- reducing administrative burden on academic and Professional Services staff.
- What’s included
- a shared platform between academic and Professional Services colleagues for proposal development and management
- a project costing tool
- internal approvals workflows
- capture of internal peer review
- the ability to capture external partner information
- project risk assessment (due diligence, sanctions, export controls, insurance, governance)
- document management and storage capabilities
- in-system management information and reporting.
Timeline
The project is being delivered in two phases. The first phase saw the procurement and implementation of Worktribe (which went live in May 2024). The second phase will focus on the procurement and implementation of Ethics RM, to replace the functionality currently provided by Sussex Direct (expected to go live in May 2025).
Phase one (Worktribe)
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Procurement
In December 2022, the University partnered with Worktribe, a leading supplier of research platforms for higher education institutions, who assisted in delivering the platform.
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Configuration
The Worktribe platform was configured to the University's requirements over the course of 2023 and concluded in December.
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Launch
Worktribe was fully configured and tested in April 2024 and rolled out to staff in Research and Innovation services, as well as research bid approvers, on 1 May 2024.
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Training
Training ran from April to October 2024 for all end-users’ access. Project closure in progress.
Phase two (Ethics RM)
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Procurement
In April 2024, the University partnered with Infonetica to supply the platform. Infonetica are the market leader in research ethics and will assist in delivering the platform.
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Configuration
Following a review of timelines and adjustment from initial plans of 2024, it‘s expected that the new ethics system will be configured to the University's requirements by May 2025.
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Launch
The Ethics RM system will roll out to staff and students across the University in 2025.
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Training
Training will run from May to October 2025, with Ethics RM going live to users between June and July 2025.