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COVID-19 information and screening Learn how we’re keeping our campus community safe, healthy and engaged during our gradual return to campus.
Note: The university’s mandatory vaccine directive is now in effect. Learn more about vaccine requirements.
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 – 2021 Fall Term Research & Covid-19 Updates

Dear Research Community,

As the University community gears up for the beginning of another academic year, and COVID 19 continues to present challenges for all of us, I would like provide an update about the process for on-campus research.  The Return to On-Campus Research Task Force continued to meet during the summer to ensure that matters important to on-campus research were identified and prioritized by the university. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Human Subject Research: Collaborative efforts between the REB Chair/Vice Chair and the On-Campus Research Task Force to help guide the development of a coordinated process to support the safe return of human participant research
  • Streamlining the process for approvals of  on-campus research
  • Post-pandemic research

In an effort to further support the return of on-campus research activities a streamlined process has been developed with the guidance of the On-Campus Research Taskforce.

Updated Process for Faculty Researchers to Return to On-Campus Research Activities

  1. Researcher completes and submits forms:
  2. Faculty On-Campus Research Committee (FORC) Review:
    • The FORC will review the application submission and provide comment as needed before submitting the final application submission to the Faculty Dean for final approval. 
  3. Final Approval:
    • The Faculty Dean will review and approve the application and forward approval to the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation via vpri@ontariotechu.ca.
    • On-campus research activities can resume once the researcher is notified of the approval by the Faculty Dean. 

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.  

REB position statement: 

The Ontario Tech REB is not mandating vaccination of study participants for in-person face-to-face research.  The REB will continue to follow the principles of the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS2) on fairness and equity in research participation (Chapter 4).  The TCPS2 endorses inclusiveness, fair and equitable treatment where individuals, groups or communities should not be unfairly excluded from the potential benefits of research participation based on vaccination status, unless there is a valid reason for exclusion (Article 4.1).  In parallel, research activities must adhere to the requirements and policies of the research sites.  For instance, if an institution requires vaccination for all individuals on-site or if international travel for research is restricted, then studies must comply with the institutional directives.  

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 due to staff shortages, turnaround times may be impacted. Efforts are being made to hire skilled staff to support the research community. During this transition time, we appreciate your patience and support and appreciate you making efforts to plan ahead. 

I would like to thank everyone for their continued commitment, cooperation, and adaptability during this extraordinary time. Despite the challenges, the research community has collectively made exceptional contributions to advance cutting edge and impactful research. As a university, we have made tremendous strides forward on research intensity, funding, and reputation. Ontario Tech’s research income increased by more than 40% in 2020-2021 to $23.5 million. I commend all of you on your efforts and perseverance.

Wishing you all the best, 

Les 

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