August 20, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

 

We are excited to announce that Augusta University will implement the Huron Research Suite (HRS), a comprehensive, integrated platform designed to connect and support key activities across the research lifecycle.

 

This marks a significant investment in the future of Augusta University’s research infrastructure. HRS will be AU’s first coordinated research administration system designed to allow data to flow seamlessly between offices, operations, and functions across the university.

 

Augusta University has entered into an agreement to implement the Grants & Agreements, Institutional Review Board, Conflict of Interest, and Employee Compensation Compliance (Effort Reporting) modules of the Huron Research Suite in its first approximately 12-month phase, with an optional second phase that could add additional HRS modules to be determined at a later date.

 

But this is about more than new technology. HRS gives us an opportunity to rethink and improve how research administration works across the university, with a focus on simpler processes, better workflows, stronger integration, improved transparency, and a better experience for our research community.

 

Project Kickoff

 

We’d like to extend an invitation to join the Project Kick-off meeting with our implementation partners at Huron:

Monday, August 31, 2026
4:00–5:00 PM EST
📣Virtual Teams Meeting

At this kickoff, we will introduce the project team, review our implementation approach and timeline, discuss project goals and responsibilities, and outline opportunities for engagement.

Building It Together

The best system for Augusta University will be one built by our research community, not simply for it.

We are intentionally bringing stakeholders from across the university into the implementation through project working groups and other engagement opportunities. Faculty, researchers, research administrators, and subject-matter experts will help us shape future-state processes, workflows, and the system itself.

If you are interested in participating in a working group or have questions about the initiative, please contact Brittany Jones at BJONES8@augusta.edu.

Everyone is welcome at the August 31 kick-off. We encourage your questions, participation, and engagement as we begin this important initiative.

What’s Ahead

We are currently expecting to go live in Fall 2027. After the system has gone live and stabilized, the Huron Research Suite will replace legacy systems including InfoEd, Maximus, and IRBNet, which will then be discontinued.

There is significant work ahead, and we will keep you updated throughout the implementation.  As we move into 2027, expect system demonstrations, training opportunities, and updates on new and improved processes and workflows.

This is an exciting opportunity to build a more connected, modern foundation for research administration at Augusta University.

We’re excited about what’s ahead, and we hope you are too. More information is coming, and we look forward to building this future together.

We look forward to seeing you on August 31!

 

All the best,

Eric M. Kern, MBA

 

Associate Vice President,

Sponsored Programs Administration

Augusta University

 

Executive Director,

Augusta University Research Institute

Phone: (706) 721-0007

This email was sent to Augusta University faculty, staff and students with research effort.

© 2026  Augusta University. All rights reserved.