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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Vice-President Research – 2022 Winter Term Research & COVID-19 Updates

Dear Research Community,

Ontario Tech University, in response to changing provincial guidance, is returning to ‘pre-Omicron variant’ operational plans. As such, I would like to provide the research community with an update on the following:

  • On-Campus Research Process;
  • Human Subject Participant Research (on behalf of the Research Ethics Board); and
  • Office of Research Services remote services.
On-Campus Research Activities
  1. Faculty On-campus Research Committees (FORCs) Previously Approved On-Campus Research Activities:
    1. Researchers who have already received FORC approval can continue to conduct research on-campus. Any amendments (e.g. additional personnel, etc. ) to the FORC approved research activities do not require FORC approval unless otherwise subject to Research Ethics Board or other safety approvals (e.g. biosafety, radiation safety, animal care).
    2. The Faculty On-campus Research Committees (FORCs), on an as-needed basis, will remain as a COVID-19 risk mitigation resource for all faculty members who wish to consult on COVID-19 and other health and safety matters.
  2. New On-Campus Research Activities:
    1. Researchers who have not previously received FORC approval to resume on-campus research activities must review and follow the Campus Health and Safety Updated Guidelines and complete the Laboratory Guidance Document and Pre-start Laboratory Checklist (if appropriate). There is no requirement to submit and receive approval from the FORCs for COVID-19 risk mitigation procedures prior to resuming research activities on campus; however, it is strongly recommended that researchers consult with the FORCs before resuming research activities on-campus.
    2. All projects will need to demonstrate appropriate risk/mitigation strategies in line with the Risk Matrix for Research Projects. A detailed COVID-19 safety plan is required for all cases when the two-metre distance cannot be respected, or when other high-level risk factors exist (ie. density issues; physical contact required). PPE will be a key consideration. Please consult with the appropriate FORC if you require assistance in the creation of a safety plan.
    3. In addition, it is strongly recommended that copies of the completed Laboratory Guidance Document and Pre-start Laboratory Checklist be kept in the laboratory records and be reviewed and/or accessible to all research personnel, as appropriate.
    4. Note: Researchers who require approval for research ethics and specialized safety requirements (e.g. human ethics, biosafety, radiation, lasers, X-rays, animal care) must inform their FORC and may require approval if required by the REB, Animal Care Committee, Radiation Safety Committee, and/or the Biosafety Committee.

For more information, please visit the Return to On-Campus Research - Process and Application webpage and if you have any questions email research@ontariotechu.ca.  If you have any questions about your research funding or other matters pertaining to your research, contact staff in the Office of Research Services.  

Research Ethics Board:  Research Involving In-person Human Participants: 

The REB supports the continuation of research and there is no expectation to ramp down or discontinue on campus in-person research activities during this time.  Off-campus research activities must adhere to the requirements and policies of the research sites. 

Researchers are expected to:

The REB will continue to accept new applications for review.  Currently, the REB is experiencing a high volume of submissions with extended turnaround times.  Researchers can book a consultation with the REB office for assistance and guidance on the submission process.

Office of Research Services Support

The Office of Research Services will continue to work primarily remotely. All services are available:

  • Grants and Award Development and Non-Financial Post-Award Management
  • Research Partnerships, Legal and Intellectual Property
  • Research Ethics and Safety (Radiation Safety, Biosafety, Controlled Goods)
  • University Research Data and Sponsored Funding Record Management
  • Internal Research Funding Programs 

The Office of Research Services is committed to providing comprehensive research services support to all faculty members; however, please note that there may be staff shortages due to COVID-19 or other matters; as such, turnaround times may be impacted. We appreciate your patience and support and appreciate you making efforts to plan ahead. 

I would like to thank everyone in our research community for their continued commitment, cooperation and adaptability during this extraordinary time. Despite the challenges, the research community at Ontario Tech has collectively made exceptional contributions leading to Ontario Tech being named as one of Canada’s Research Universities of the Year. I commend all of you on your efforts and perseverance.

Wishing you all the best for the remaining winter term, 

Les 

Prof. Les Jacobs, PhD, FRSC 
Vice-President, Research and Innovation 
Ontario Tech University