In June 2025, the App State Institutional Review Board (IRB) launched the IRB AI Proofreading Tool to assist faculty, staff and students in strengthening in-draft Cayuse IRB applications. Over 80% of applications submitted annually need edits in some way. This tool aims to improve efficiency and save valuable time for researchers and staff. Upload a PDF with an application to receive AI-generated feedback on major inconsistencies, clarity and whether a submission might qualify for exemption.
- Provides structured feedback analysis on submitted applications, covering areas like risk assessment, recruitment strategy and potential conflicts.
- Allows administrators and non-technical staff to modify prompts that the AI model uses through the web application interface.
- Enables users to upload their application as a PDF, DOCX, or text file and receive tailored feedback in just 15-30 seconds.
The IRB AI Proofreading Tool reflects the ongoing work of the AI Technical Team, a working group of the AI Enablement Team, to advance AI literacy and innovation at App State. The tool was developed under the technical leadership of Gabriele Casale (assistant vice provost for research and innovation) and in partnership with Tobi Azeez (bioinformatics engineer, ITS systems and research computing) and Willow M. Greene (senior IRB analyst, research protections).
Watch the video demo to learn How to use the App State IRB proofreading tool (7:23), 2025.
Questions
This resource, powered by Azure OpenAI, is for drafting support only and does not replace official IRB review or approval.
- For questions regarding feedback, contact the IRB Office at irb@appstate.edu.
- For technical support, contact Tobi Azeez, azeezoe@appstate.edu
Learn More
About the AI Enablement Teams
Enablement Teams were established by ITS in collaboration with university partners to promote AI literacy, enhance teaching, learning and administrative efficiency, support research and foster innovation.
About Information Technology Services
Appalachian State University’s Information Technology Services (ITS) is committed to providing innovative and reliable technological resources and support for teaching, research, learning and working. ITS is responsible for implementing, monitoring and maintaining all centralized information technology — such as network services, technical infrastructure, data center operations, VoIP phone lines, desktop support, academic technology, print and copier services, research computing, information security and project management. ITS is led by the chief information officer and comprises seven central IT divisions: Academic Technologies, Enterprise Applications, Information Security, Infrastructure, IT Support Services, Systems and Research Computing and the Project Management Office. Learn more at its.appstate.edu.
About the Office of Research and Innovation
Appalachian State University’s Office of Research and Innovation supports the scholarly and creative activities of App State faculty, staff and students by expanding access to and facilitating the management of research opportunities. The office consists of four units: Grants Resources and Services, Sponsored Programs, Research Design and Analysis, and Research Protections. The office also collaborates with the university’s Special Funds Accounting on the fiscal management of awarded projects. Learn more at research.appstate.edu.
IRB AI Proofreading Tool website.
The App State Institutional Review Board (IRB) launched the IRB AI Proofreading Tool to assist faculty, staff and students in strengthening in-draft Cayuse IRB applications.