March 18: COVID-19 Research Impact Update

As our university continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, it remains open and operational, while transitioning to remote or telecommuting arrangements effective Thursday morning, March 19, 2020.

To minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and to safeguard the health and safety of the university community, at this time all are encouraged to practice social distancing (“maintaining distance -approximately 6 feet (2 meters) from others when possible”) and limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer individuals. The same principles must also be applied to our university-wide research activities.

Please note that the March 16, 2020 update contains links to COVID-19 Research Guidelines that may be helpful as you develop and implement your emergency plans. The given information contains updates that have been added about face-to-face interaction with human subjects, animal subject studies and husbandry, Safety Management (SM) related to hazardous waste, and information on the availability of programs and services from the Office of Research Development.

• Research and Graduate School FAQs
• Office of Research Administration Guidelines
• Office of Research Compliance Guidelines

Moreover, all research conducted on campus has to be limited to essential research activities and reported through the following online form.

The University will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and regularly update the Research Guidelines provided through the above links. Also, please continue to regularly check the UMS Information page (https://www.maine.edu/health-advisory/) and the UMaine Information page (https://umaine.edu/coronavirus/).

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation, and we appreciate all your efforts in support of our university’s research mission.

Sincerely,

Kody Varahramyan
Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School