COVID-19 Guidance for Researchers

Updated 11/14/2022

Research operations may return to normal per current University of Maine System (UMS) Guidelines.

Travel & Fieldwork

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School’s Research Travel Guidelines & Procedures remain in effect, and all travelers are still required to abide by UMS travel guidelines.

Additionally, travelers are still required to coordinate with the Office of Research Compliance, UMS Safety Management and UMS Risk Management, as applicable, to ensure appropriate travel and fieldwork procedures are followed and any necessary approvals are in place prior to international travel. This includes:

  • Working with UMS Safety Management to develop and implement a Fieldwork Safety Plan (Please see: Fieldwork Safety Training Guide [requires @maine.edu account to view])
  • Working with UMS Risk Management to ensure the appropriate insurance coverage is in place
  • Working with export compliance staff in the Office of Research Compliance to determine if any export licenses, or documented use of an exception, is required for the export (even temporary) of University equipment, computers, or supplies.

Human Subjects Research

All Human Subject Research with Face-to-Face interaction must be conducted in compliance with current UMS Guidance; participants are encouraged to contact the research team to determine if there are any specific requirements prior to coming to campus, or if you have question about your participation. Below is the University of Maine System COVID-19 Risk Statement (from UMS Guidance; accessed 11/14/2022):

The University of Maine System continues to support safety and health in the University community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including by encouraging employees, students, and visitors: to stay home if sick; to follow all applicable UMS and public health COVID-19 pandemic guidance and protocols; and, to stay informed about changes and updates in guidance and protocols. The University consistently takes steps in response to changing COVID-19 pandemic circumstances in an attempt to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections (or the spread of any other communicable illness) in accordance with applicable law, regulation, and guidance provided by health authorities. Despite these efforts, the University cannot guarantee that any person entering University campuses or facilities will not contract COVID-19 or any other communicable disease and any such person must assess and accept the risks of illness or injury for themselves.

Please contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) office at umric@maine.edu if you have any questions about this guidance or need more information.