Return to Research

Health and Human Development Return to Research Plan

COVID-19 is a potentially serious and very infectious disease. It is incumbent on all of us to protect the health and safety of all individuals and to preserve the capacity of our healthcare systems. We must work together to balance on-campus work activities while protecting the health and safety of the workforce and the broader community.

While remaining focused on the health and well-being of our community, we are planning for an increase in on-campus research-related activities to accompany in-person, on-campus instruction for the Fall 2021 semester.

There are no capacity or distancing requirements in research spaces, and approval for personnel is no longer required (see below for an exception for in-person human subjects research).  We will continue to follow guidelines being implemented by the University around campus, including established personal safety practices.

Researchers should consult guidance on in-person human subjects research.  Research that meets certain criteria may resume WITHOUT additional COVID-safety reviews and approval via InfoReady (NOTE: IRB review and approval is separate from COVID-safety reviews in InfoReady).  All other in-person human subjects research requires review and approval of COVID-safety measures via InfoReady before resuming.

Note: “On-campus” includes any university facility or field site, including home/school visits.

Preparation for Potential Ramp Down

Principal investigators should develop a plan for a quick ramp-down of research-related activities to a level associated with that of an earlier phase.  If a ramp-down is needed, consult the EHS Laboratory Ramp Down Checklist.

University Guidance

Individual Behaviors

Campus, Building, and Safety Protocols 

Contacts

Kathryn Drager
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education
kdd5@psu.edu

Kevin Kelliher
Operations Manager, Facilities Coordinator, Safety Officer
kxk84@psu.edu

Craig Newschaffer
Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean
newschaffer@psu.edu

General Information