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Redbirds Keep Researching

Last Update: 3:20 pm April 7, 2021
Updates for Phase 4 of Restore Illinois

See also Considerations for Human Subjects Research

Restarting On-Campus and Field Research
Guidelines for Summer Research
Research Office Availability
Access to Research Facilities
Grant Issues
Compliance Issues
Helpful Resources

Restarting On-Campus and Field Research

Under the Restore Illinois plan, the North-Central Region that includes the ISU campus returned to Phase 4 as of January 25, at which time research can occur on campus and in the field with even fewer restrictions than in Phase 3.

For research activities that have not yet restarted, please refer to the following list of resources and considerations for returning to campus. We ask that PIs draft a plan for returning to research using these documents as guides. Plans should be updated as appropriate. Be sure to communicate with your Chair/Director as you plan to return to on-campus or field work. Guidelines and requirements can change with little notice.

Please consult the Return to Work Toolkit as you make arrangements to reoccupy your research spaces. Be sure to obtain this approval before traveling to a field site, archive, library, etc. if you expect reimbursement for your travel expenses.

Guidelines for Research

Note: Researchers should continue to conduct as much work remotely as possible.

Most research activities may resume and new undergraduate researchers may be hired without Vice Presidential approval. However, research activities requiring physical contact and/or close, face-to-face interactions should still be avoided.

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. Researchers may need to work in shifts to achieve appropriate social distancing and/or gathering size limitations.
  3. To facilitate contact tracing, each research facility or field experience should maintain a log that records the dates and times personnel were present.
  4. Travel for research may occur with appropriate approvals.
    • Note that traveling to field sites may be more expensive, as multiple vehicles may be required to transport researchers safely.
    • Until further notice, the travel notification form must be completed prior to traveling (domestic; international).
  5. Human Subjects Research activities can occur off-site, with approval of the off-site organization and with the observation of relevant State guidelines.
  6. On-campus, face-to-face Human Subjects Research activities should be conducted only with permission of the appropriate Chair/Director and with an approved IRB protocol.

Research Office Availability

The offices supporting research continue to provide uninterrupted services throughout the spring semester. Through June 30, our offices will have limited staff onsite. For the foreseeable future, we recommend using electronic communication tools (email, Teams, Zoom) whenever possible. Contact information for our offices can be found at the bottom of this page (mobile browser) or in the box to the right on this page (desktop browser).

Access to Research Facilities

See https://coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu/building-status/ for the latest information about building status and access. Many facilities will operate with reduced hours and limited staff.

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 (COVID-19 travel page: https://coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu/faqs/#travel). The appropriate travel notification form must be completed prior to traveling (domestic; international). 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@ilstu.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 https://research.illinoisstate.edu/ethics/human-subjects/coronavirus/ for additional information.

Animal Care

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

Helpful Resources

2021-04-07T13:24:42.263-07:00 2021