Staff Excellence: Electronic Research Administration team

The Electronic Research Administration (eRA) team within Sponsored Program Services each day find solutions to technical issues to support researchers across Purdue.

The eRA team ensures that Purdue’s technical systems that support SPS research activities and processes operate efficiently. They are the initial point of contact for any electronic research administration-related grant and agreement, regulatory and compliance issues, or for any questions that arise. Their timely and effective assistance means that staff and researchers can quickly resume work without being disrupted for an extended period.

Despite the focus on ensuring quality customer support today, this team — which is led by Kim Gascho and includes Adam Jones, Ashley McQueary and John Fry — also plays a key role in shaping the future of research administration at Purdue.

A top priority for 2024 is the implementation of Purdue Excellence In Research Administration (PERA), Purdue’s next-generation research administration system that automates many processes required to apply for research grants, manage research funding and apply to regulatory committees such as institutional review boards and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. PERA will replace Coeus, Cayuse and other systems currently in use. The result will offer investigators and research administrators one interconnected platform that automates many research administration processes. It will also bring greater transparency and efficiency.

To help achieve this, the eRA team is helping SPS, regulatory compliance, business office and other research operation teams to custom fit the new PERA system to optimally meet needs of Purdue’s research community. 

“PERA begins its rollout in October 2024. It will be exciting to see the full system integration and how it enhances research administration efficiency and effectiveness,” said Stephanie Willis, director of Information and Support Services. 

“Once the PERA system is implemented, the team’s responsibilities will shift to managing and maintaining the new PERA system as well as being a resource for our research community,” said Ken Sandel, associate vice president of Sponsored Program Services. “The eRA team’s leadership will play an integral role in ensuring PERA meets the needs of all users.”