In early in 2021, Penn State will implement a new platform to manage the submission, review, and approval of the use of regulated and biohazardous materials in research and instruction (as defined in Penn State Policy RP11).
The new web-based system, CATS Safety, will provide investigators, staff, and committee members with a streamlined, integrated, and user-friendly process and system. CATS Safety is the third of four systems released as part of the overall PRAMS replacement project (“the CATS project”). CATS Safety is supported by the Office of Research Affairs (ORA) and Research Quality Assurance (RQA), the Office for Research Protections (ORP), and the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) in partnership with an advisory committee of biosafety subject matter experts at the University.
CATS Safety will undergo final usability testing by a key user group (KUG) of researchers and reviewers this fall, and a pilot group of researchers will test CATS Safety submissions. After KUG testing and the pilot rollout, the system will be deployed to researchers on a schedule, starting with those whose biosafety protocols will be up for renewal.
This extended transition plan, robust training, user support, and an effective governance structure will facilitate a smooth transition. Your support and communication of the rollout of CATS Safety within your college is critical to the success of the new platform.
To learn more about CATS Safety, get the latest status updates, and provide feedback, visit https://www.research.psu.edu/cats-safety-project.