Current Status
RAIMS is an active, multi-year program delivering modern technology to support research administration at the University of Guelph.
What's happening now:
- The replacement of the existing eAUP system is progressing; the selected vendor will be announced and the project will begin in Fall 2026
- EthOS (Human Ethics) is live and managing the ongoing submission, review, and approval of research ethics applications
- Planning is underway to update the RAIMS roadmap, helping ensure future modules are implemented in a way that best supports the University's strategic direction
RAIMS is a multi-year initiative to introduce modern technology and optimized business processes to support its research operations. Through a series of distinct, but integrated, modules - spanning pre-award competition and proposal management, ethics and regulatory compliance, resource management, research finance, and reporting – the RAIMS program will deliver many benefits, including:
- Access to real-time information and data to support proactive planning and decision-making
- Reduced administrative burden for all faculty, students, and staff who conduct, review, and support research
- Improved collaboration across the researchers stakeholder groups and community
- Confidence in our ongoing compliance with regulatory and funding organizations
Together, these outcomes strengthen our research enterprise and the impact of U of G’s research excellence and innovation.
Broad impact is anticipated across U of G, including faculty researchers, student researchers, various ethics boards and committees, and Research Services staff.
For any RAIMS program inquiries please contact RAIMSSupport@uoguelph.ca.
Modules by Status
Live
Research Ethics (EthOS)
EthOS is fully launched and in use, providing a modern platform for the submission, review, and approval of research involving human participants. A refreshed user interface was introduced in Summer 2026.
In Progress
Animal Care (eAUP Replacement)
The current electronic Animal Use Protocol (eAUP) system is being replaced. The project has concluded its assessment of prospective software solutions and implementation partners. The name of the chosen vendor will be communicated internally and via the Research Alert channel. Official project initiation with the selected partner is scheduled for Fall 2026.
Future Modules
As the RAIMS roadmap evolves, additional modules will be planned to address compliance and risk management needs, including Animal Research Facilities, Research Risk, Biosafety, Conflict of Interest, and Pre- and Post-Award Research Services.
Recent and Upcoming Milestones
Recent
- Completion of the AUP vendor demonstration and procurement cycle
- Completion of contract negotiations with the successful AUP implementation partner
- Creation of an internal working group to review the existing AUP forms
- Project resources for the eAUP phase in place
- Release of a refreshed user interface for EthOS
Upcoming
- Vendor announcement for the new AUP system (Fall 2026)
- Project kickoff for the new AUP system (Fall 2026)
- Creation of an advisory committee for the AUP system (Fall 2026)
- Ongoing maintenance, user support, and continuous improvement of EthOS
How to Stay Involved / Getting Support
- Keep watching Research Alerts for ongoing updates and major announcements
- Leverage the weekly Interactive Support Forums for researchers to share feedback and ideas with the Research Services Office department teams
- Contact RAIMSsupport@uoguelph.ca with questions or feedback
- For EthOS, use available EthOS training materials and support resources including the EthOS feedback form
Project Team
The RAIMS Program is jointly sponsored by the Office of Research and Computing & Communications Services (CCS). The project team draws from broad representation of leadership and subject-matter expertise within these areas to ensure achievement of program objectives.
