Update on Resuming Research at Laurier: Phase 3B

Aug. 18, 2020
Print | PDF

Laurier is taking a phased approach to restarting research that was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, largely based on the guidance of the provincial government and local public health officials. New safety protocols and procedures are being developed to assure the safety of students, faculty and staff.

At this time, the university is accepting requests from faculty to resume research in the next phase of the Resumption of Research Plan: Phase 3B.

During Phase 3B, on-site research involving human participants will be permitted.

Phase 3B principles: 

  • Research carried out on campus will require prior approval from the appropriate dean.
  • No research activity that can be performed from home will be approved for on-campus operation. If the research involves a combination of activities that must be conducted on campus and activities that can be conducted remotely (i.e. data analysis and other computer work), research personnel must not carry out the portion of research activities that can be performed remotely while they are on campus.
  • No human participant research will be permitted where the participant population is considered vulnerable to COVID-19. This includes: 
    • Seniors (people aged 65 years or older)
    • Individuals who are immunocompromised
    • People with chronic health conditions (heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer)
    • People with limited access to health care or health advice
    • Individuals living with insecure, inadequate, or nonexistent housing conditions
  • Every researcher who is granted permission to resume research on site must be prepared for a sudden shut down following university or government directives or should other circumstances arise that would limit activities (i.e. a reported case of a COVID-19 infection in a lab group or building).
  • Every research space will have a maximum occupancy limit which must be adhered to.
  • Every faculty member must take responsibility for not only adhering to safety protocols but also ensuring that such protocols are adhered to by personnel under their supervision or guidance.
  • Every research space will be subject to periodic inspection by SHERM to ensure all safety protocols are being adhered to.
  • Any situation that changes the circumstances which were initially approved must be reported in a timely manner for review by the dean.
  • Only laboratories with a robust and viable pipeline for procuring any required specialized safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the research will be permitted to open.
  • Only research spaces which can be safely supported by the institution will be permitted to open. Spaces requiring specialized services for equipment repair, maintenance, calibration, etc. that cannot be met in the current context will not be permitted to open.
  • All research involving human participants must also have approval of the REB. 
  • Research involving graduate students and/or postdocs must follow additional guidance provided by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

If you feel that your research meets the above requirements, please connect with your faculty supervisor, who can submit a request form. All requests to resume on-campus research during Phase 3B must be submitted by Thursday, August 27. 

Field research will continue to be prohibited. However, exemptions to permit field research may be approved for work that does not involve:

  • distant travel;
  • travel together in the same vehicle;
  • overnight stays; or
  • contact with the public. 

If you feel that your field research meets these criteria, speak to your faculty supervisor.