Return to On-Campus Research - Process and Application
Sent on behalf of Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation
Update 6: September 21, 2020
Dear Research Community,
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the Return to On-Campus Research Task Force has been working collaboratively to advise on processes to facilitate the staggered and phased in expansion of research activities on campus. Since August 11, 2020, the university has been at Stage 3 for the resumption of on-campus research.
Researchers wishing to resume on-campus research are required to complete and submit an Return to On-Campus Research application and Risk Mitigation Plan. In parallel to this process, researchers are advised to connect with the appropriate compliance committees (e.g. Research Ethics Board, Animal Care Committee, Biosafety and/or Radiation Safety Committee) to inquire about additional approvals that are required to resume on-campus research.
Stage 3 sees on-campus research fully resume with necessary health and safety restrictions. Approved on-campus research includes projects that meet stages 1 and 2 criteria as well as on-going research for which significant setbacks will be experienced by April 2021, and new and ongoing research for which health/safety/distancing/mitigation strategies can be met, and for which Stage 3 building capacity exists.
Stage 3 Assumptions:
- Research activity that can be carried out successfully without impediment remotely should continue. Where researchers are having difficulty completing research activity while working from home, applications for the resumption of on-campus research will be considered.
- All projects will need to demonstrate appropriate risk/mitigation strategies in line with the Risk Matrix. A detailed safety plan will be required for all cases when the two-metre distance cannot be respected, or when other high-level risk factors exist (i.e. density issues; physical contact required). PPE will be a key consideration for approval in these cases.
Prior to return to on-campus research activity researchers are required to complete the online COVID19-Health & Safety Training
I appreciate the strong commitment by our university community to the research enterprise and I wish all of you continued success with your own research.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation