COVID-19 Response Guide for Researchers and Research Groups
Latest Updates
UPDATED January 7, 2021
The temporary on-campus research ramp down has been extended to Jan. 25. A new on-campus research exemption/criteria has been added.
Current Status of U of A Research during COVID-19
- All research that can be conducted off-campus must continue off-campus.
- All on-campus research Dec.14 - Jan 25 must be approved and meet one of the following critical research/work criteria:
- Clinical research or clinical trials that if interrupted, would endanger the life, health or safety of the study participants or patients.
- Critical animal care, maintenance of breeding colonies, and critical cell line maintenance.
- Critical research support that if interrupted, would endanger the life, personal safety or health of our community and/or irrevocably damage the environment or university property, infrastructure maintenance, animal care and hazard risk management.
- New criteria - time sensitive research requiring immediate lab presence (e.g., gathering preliminary data for imminent grant applications, or research personnel who are nearing the end of a defined time limit). Applications for such research will be reviewed by the faculty before PHRT approval. Independent research courses conducted in labs, including undergraduate thesis projects, that are required for course progression or completion, may continue but must follow all university COVID-19 safety measures.
- Projects approved for the Dec. 14 - Jan.11 time period will have that approval automatically extended until Jan 25. All will receive notification of this.
- If your research group meets the critical on-campus research criteria and did not apply but now needs to, you can do so via this link—the group's PI must submit the request.
- All approved on-campus research must have continuity plans and be able to shutdown/suspend operations, including labs, in 24-48 hours.
- Field research must be approved by the Field Research Office. Requests will be reviewed starting Jan. 11, however, researchers are encouraged to review their protocols given Alberta’s increased case numbers. Contact the Field Research Office with questions.
- Occasional and ad hoc visits to labs, other research spaces and campus must be kept to a strict minimum and be approved in advance by their supervisor/team lead/unit head/chair, and occur only when critical.
Temporary public health measures currently affecting U of A research activities »
All research activities must always meet current, local public health and travel requirements set by public health and travel authorities and the university's current safety measures.
All faculty, staff and students are required to limit their on-campus presence/activity to help ensure maximum physical distancing, minimize demand on in-demand resources and supplies, and safely manage our workspaces and building spaces.
Resources for Researchers
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: January 20, 2021
Resuming Research on Campus
What do I need to do to resume my research on campus?
Instructions for researchers are available on how to ready your campus research spaces and work environments to meet current public health requirements. Returning researchers must review and refresh as needed any existing COVID-19 Return to Campus Plan, and ensure that all personnel are familiar with its contents. Researchers who have not been on campus since March 2020 must apply to resume their research on campus.
How are projects, programs, or buildings being prioritised for on-campus work?
Currently, it is not a matter of priority. Research projects and programs will be approved for on-campus work if (1) it is not possible for the research to be conducted remotely and (2) the project or program can meet all public health requirements. Every effort should be made to continue your research remotely as possible. Discuss your options with your dean, associate/vice dean or principal investigator.
Note: If you have been previously approved for on-campus research during COVID-19 you do not need to re-apply; however, if you are returning after a significant time away from campus you must ensure your COVID-19 Return to Campus Plans are reviewed and updated if needed.
I need to adjust my return to campus application to add a lab space or another team member. What should I do?
Complete these three steps to make an adjustment to your on campus research registration:
- Adjust your registration directly in the EHS Module of the ARISE database.
- Make a request to your assistant/vice dean of research via email, copying EHS (ehs.info@ualberta.ca).
- EHS will notify you via email after verifying the adjustment can be safely made for your space.
Is field research resuming?
Please refer to Field Research Activities during COVID-19: Phase II for the latest information.
Health and Safety
Is my workspace, building, or lab ready and safe?
If you have been approved to come back to campus to work, then your workspace has met all the public health requirements for a safe work environment. Meeting public health requirements will be the key consideration in approving additional work to operate or re-commence on campus throughout all relaunch stages.
Do I need to provide my own mask, or other personal protective equipment (PPE)?
If it is required for your work or workspace, faculty and departments will be responsible for providing PPE for employees and graduate students. Employees should discuss PPE needs with their supervisor.
Students, public or campus visitors and external service providers/vendors will be responsible for procuring their personal PPE, including masks.
Face masks are required on all U of A campuses. Learn more »
Support and Services
How can I stay up-to-date on funder COVID-19 accommodations?
Funder websites are the best source for the latest information on COVID-19 related accommodations, and most have a dedicated COVID-19 section. Funders are reviewing information program by program, and posting information as it becomes available. Please check these sites regularly, and information can change. We have provided links to some of our key funders below:
How does our group dispose of hazardous waste right now?
Health, Safety and Environment continues to operate a hazardous waste pickup service. To schedule a pickup, submit a request through CHEMATIX.
Do we have enough PPE, supplies or gases to maintain research activities?
Currently, our supply of PPE, cryogens and compressed gases are stable, and Supply Management Services (SMS) is able to deliver these products. As this situation is very fluid, access to supplies may not be guaranteed. In the event of shortages, priority will be given to COVID-19 research and maintenance of animal facilities. Please register your maintenance activities, such as periodic inspection of compressed gas inventories with EHS. This may allow EHS to notify you if there is a pending shortage of materials.
Where will staff and faculty be able to eat lunch?
Space to take a break or eat lunch may be limited. Please be flexible as faculties and departments adjust and may offer non-traditional but available spaces for your downtime. Available spaces and lunch breaks may need to be scheduled to ensure occupancy limits and physical distancing requirements are able to be maintained. If space is not available within your department or faculty area, please contact the applicable Facility Services Manager for assistance. Food services on campus during the pandemic are limited. See what's open on campus.
More Information
- Working during COVID-19
- FAQs for employees
- COVID-19 funding opportunities
- Research ramp down procedures
- Return to work planning
- Research registration form
