The Research, Interests, and Activities Reporting tool (RIA) was successfully launched in July of 2023 for the reporting of PHS and PCORI sponsored projects, thereby replacing PHS-FITS. On March 18, 2024, the system will expand to include all sponsored projects and all IRB protocols (replacing FIDES). This represents the full implementation of the software to support disclosure procedures outlined in The Policy on Conflicts of Interest Related to Research.

Historically (for non-PHS/PCORI projects), only the Principal Investigator was required to indicate, through screening questions in HS-ERA and Penn ERA and on behalf of the other Investigators, whether any Significant Financial Interests (SFIs) needed to be reported in FIDES. Effective March 18, all Investigators will be required to submit a disclosure and complete a “Research Relatedness Assessment” for each project in RIA (i.e., indicate whether any of their SFIs, if they have any, are “related” to a given project).

We are currently training Business Administrators and Research Coordinators on their roles in the new system and are preparing them to support Investigators with the disclosure process. In the coming weeks we will provide training and support resources for Investigators including a Quick Reference Guide and videos. Click here for ongoing updates.