Starting June 1, the University of Virginia began a ramp-up process for laboratory research on Grounds. To date, over 190 School of Medicine laboratories have completed plans for Phase I/II of ramp-up and have had them approved by their unit leaders and the SOM. This phase includes staff, graduate students and post-docs who have essential studies on Grounds, but does not include undergraduates or research volunteers. The cores are open and are continuing to provide service as they are able, subject to the current conditions of social distancing and staffing. Thank you all for helping to develop and to practice safety guidelines.
Over 1700 individuals will be returning to Grounds to work in the research buildings. Guidance from the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) is that those who can work remotely, in whole or in part, continue to do so.
Clinical research is now at Tier 2. This includes studies that do not have direct therapeutic benefit and require only limited face-to-face times and procedures. Methods have been put in place for remote consenting.
Both of these situations – lab research and clinical research – are subject to change, depending on local conditions and the ongoing course of the pandemic.
For additional and the most up-to-date information, or to submit plans for research ramp-up for your lab and facilities, please visit the VPR web site at https://research.virginia.edu/research-ramp-guidance
Best wishes, and thank you for all of your perseverance, good will, and scientific innovation and accomplishments as we navigate this new landscape together!
Margaret A. Shupnik, PhD
Gerald D. Aurbach Professor of Endocrinology
Professor of Medicine
Senior Associate Dean for Research
Filed Under: Research