Important message about resuming research

Dear faculty,

Following up on President Morehead’s Archnews announcement on Thursday, May 28, Phase 1 of a three-phased ramp up of research activities will commence June 15 pending approval by the USG.

The UGA phased plan for re-starting research includes a Research Resumption Plan (RRP) that must be completed in advance by each research faculty member/principal investigator. You can find the Research Resumption Requirements (RRRs) and RRP template on the Office of Research website.

As specified in the RRRs and the RRP template, prior to commencing work each plan must be approved by the supervisor who has authority for space in which the faculty/PI operates; typically, this is his/her department head or center director, but depending on the context, it may be a school chair, associate dean for research, dean, or vice president. Faculty can use the two weeks prior to the start of Phase 1 to complete and submit their RRPs.

During Phase 1, faculty/PIs will have the discretion to prioritize their research activities but must meet the specified limits on density of personnel as described in the RRRs. Phase 2, with additional personnel allowed onsite, is anticipated to begin in July. The full restoration of onsite research in Phase 3, consistent with any social distancing requirements still in effect, is expected to coincide with the start of fall semester.

For Phases 1 and 2, and possibly Phase 3 depending on circumstances at the time, research activities that can be conducted remotely should still continue via telework. Please stay tuned for additional information. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

Best,
David Lee
Vice President for Research

This is a follow up to the above message announcing a ramp up of research activities, beginning with Phase 1 on June 15. This email contains answers to frequent questions already received, plus an important correction regarding the participation of undergraduates in research. Please check the Office of Research homepage for an evolving FAQ for research resumption activities.

  1. I was approved to conduct essential or COVID-19 research while UGA was closed. Do I still have to submit a Research Resumption Plan (RRP) for Phase 1? Yes, you must have an approved RRP to conduct research in Phase 1.
  2. Does the requirement for an approved RRP only apply to sponsored (e.g. grant-funded) research or all research and scholarly activities? The requirement for an RRP covers all research and scholarly activities, externally funded or not.
  3. I only use my office for research activities. Do I still have to have an approved RRP? Yes, the Research Resumption Requirements apply to you, and you must have an approved RRP.

Correction: I previously stated that undergraduates could do research for credit if approved in the RRP. This was an error. No undergraduate research for credit is to take place at UGA sites this summer (undergraduate research using remote/tele-work arrangements is allowed). The policy on summer 2020 undergraduate research and internships can be found on UGA’s Experiential Learning website.

David Lee
Vice President for Research

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