By Mark Kerr, Senior Communications Officer

The next phase of the new electronic research administration system is moving ahead with the launch of the Awards (Grants and Contracts) module at the end of March. The new module is one part of the Tools for Research at Queen’s (TRAQ) project.

To ensure a seamless transition to the new module, researchers will continue using the current award application system – the Data Summary and Signature System (DSS) –until the major funding agency deadlines have passed in March 2014. Then the researchers will have access to the new forms for awards through the TRAQ Researcher Portal, and the DSS will be disabled.

Researchers can view existing approved files in the new system by visiting the TRAQ Researcher Portal. When researchers log into MyQueensu/SOLUS using their NetID and password, they will see a section called TRAQ Researcher Portal in the bottom right-hand corner.

“The new module offers researchers a variety of new features, making it easier and more efficient for them to apply for and manage awards,” says Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). “The new module is also intended to facilitate communication between central research administration staff and the principal investigator and project team members.”

Additional features of the Awards (Grants and Contracts) module allow:

• Researchers to attach multiple documents to an award file
• Research project team members to access award information and edit the file before the principal investigator submits the application for approval
• Researchers to list multiple sponsors for a single award submission and link their certifications directly to the awards file
• Researchers to see both workflow approval and project logs in pre- and post-award periods

Many training resources are available for the research community. Training coordinator Ingrid Gagnon is visiting individual faculties and departments to show principal investigators, research coordinators and research project team members how to complete the new forms for awards. Upcoming sessions are posted online. Ms. Gagnon encourages members of the research community to contact the TRAQ team to schedule additional sessions for their department, faculty or research centre. (Please note: all training sessions can be attended remotely by webinar).

In addition to in-person training, research community members can access role-based manuals and YouTube videos. A Twitter account provides status updates and notices of training sessions.

Members of the research community can access a dedicated help desk by calling 613-533-6000 ext. 78426, emailing, submitting an issue through the webform, or visiting the office at University Research Services on the second floor of Fleming Hall, Jemmett Wing.

The Human Ethics Certifications module and Biohazards Certification module of the TRAQ project have been implemented and are accessible through the TRAQ Researcher Portal.

The Financial Reporting tool is expected to launch in March 2014 to the larger Queen’s community.