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:

  • EthOS (Human Ethics) is live and managing the ongoing submission, review, and approval of research ethics applications.  
  • Following a break during 2025, efforts to replace the current eAUP system have resumed:
    • The University released a revised Request for Proposal (RFP) for new eAUP technology and implementation services, with submissions received on March 24, 2026.
    • Detailed evaluations of vendor proposals will follow throughout the spring months, and the chosen vendor is expected to be announced by June 2026.
  • A Project Manager joined the team in March 2026 to oversee this next stage of the RAIMS initiative. 

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. The Research Ethics Office is in the process of reviewing and evaluating Infonetica's (the software vendor) refreshed user interface, which is anticipated to be available to researchers by Summer 2026.  

EthOS Hub

In Progress

Animal Care (eAUP Replacement)

The current electronic Animal Use Protocol (eAUP) system is being replaced. The project is in the procurement and evaluation phase, with vendor demonstrations and selection activities underway. Implementation planning, including the estimated launch date, will follow vendor selection.  

Future Modules

As the RAIMS roadmap evolves, additional modules will be planned to address compliance and risk management needs, including Animal Research Facilities, Biosafety, Conflict of Interest, and Pre- and Post-Award Research Services. 

Recent and Upcoming Milestones

Recent

  • eAUP replacement RFP released and submissions received
  • Project resources for the eAUP phase in place
  • Ongoing maintenance, user support, and continuous improvement of EthOS  

Upcoming

  • eAUP Vendor demonstrations and evaluation (Spring 2026)
  • eAUP Vendor selection and contract award (Summer 2026)  
  • Release of a refreshed user interface for EthOS (Summer 2026)  
  • Implementation planning for the eAUP module (Summer 2026)  
  • Creation of a RAIMS Change Advisory Board (date TBD) 

How to Stay Involved

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.