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Research

Redbirds Keep Researching

Last Update: 11:00 am September 14, 2021
Updates for more clarity on CDC guidance change regarding face coverings

See also Considerations for Human Subjects Research.

On-Campus and Field Research

Under the Restore Illinois plan, the North-Central Region that includes the ISU campus returned to Phase 5 as of June 11, 2021, at which time research can occur on campus and in the field with very few restrictions. On July 27, 2021 the CDC released updated masking recommendations and beginning July 29, 2021, until further notice, face coverings are required for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus and Laboratory Schools.

Please consult the Return to Work Toolkit as you make arrangements to reoccupy your research spaces. Be sure to check before traveling to a field site, archive, library, etc. as the situation remains fluid around the world and restrictions vary by locale.

Guidelines for Research

Most research activities may resume and new researchers may be hired.

You are expected to observe the following restrictions:

  1. All state, federal, local, and University mandates for returning to the workplace must be followed including, but not limited to
  2. Travel for research may occur, but it is prudent to check with the locale for their restrictions before traveling to a field site, archive, library, etc.
  3. Human Subjects Research activities can occur off-site, with approval of the off-site organization and with the observation of relevant State guidelines.

On-campus, face-to-face Human Subjects Research activities may be conducted (with an approved IRB protocol).

Research Office Availability

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance will continue to provide uninterrupted services. On August 6th, 2021 RSP and REC staff began regularly working on site. Many of the RSP and REC staff have worked remotely over the past months to provide crucial research support services, as the staff return to campus, we would all like to suggest contacting individuals via Teams. Teams has proven to be a vast improvement over email and phone communications. Teams will remain the preferred way to communicate with staff in RSP and REC for the foreseeable future. In addition, RSP and REC are returning to in-person office hours for the fall semester. Those dates and times will be shared in upcoming bulletins.

As we all make another rapid adjustment please share any feedback which can better support your research projects.

Access to Research Facilities

See https://coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu/building-status/ for the latest information about building status and access.

Grant Issues

Deadlines

Agencies are being given substantial flexibility by the Office of Management and Budget. How each agency implements this flexibility can be found through the individual agency websites or through the Council on Government Relations (COGR) coronavirus website. Be prepared to submit on time, as few agencies have substantially delayed their submission deadlines, and many opportunities have retained their original submission deadlines. Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) staff will continue to have the ability to submit proposals.

Travel

Follow University, State, and Federal guidance on travel (ISU travel page). The appropriate travel notification form must be completed prior to traveling in some instances. Be sure to obtain this approval before traveling to a field site, archive, library, etc. if you expect reimbursement for your travel expenses.

Other Issues

You may experience a delay in the recruitment of subjects, meeting study objectives, etc. Check your granting agency’s website for guidance on dealing with such delays. At the very least, most projects will be eligible for a no-cost extension, but additional information may be available from specific agencies. Formal requests to external sponsors for award extensions must be made through RSP (ResearchOffice@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2528), but you may wish to contact your program officer for guidance before requesting an extension.

Compliance Issues

Human Subjects Research

Since changes in protocols have to be approved prior to implementation, contact the Research Ethics and Compliance Office (IRB@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-5527) if you need to change the timing, location, or method of interaction for any interviews, focus groups, recruitment, etc. Pauses in research are allowed, but protocol modifications may be required. See Considerations for Human Subjects Research for additional information.

Animal Care

Animal care facilities continue to operate as usual. For any questions contact the Research Ethics and Compliance Office (REC@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2529.

Helpful Resources