Dear Research Community Colleagues,

We continue to make progress on the ramp up of our research activities. Clinical research work has increased with more elective clinical activity in our partner hospitals. The working group for community-based research is developing the procedures for off-campus research. The majority of lab-based researchers have now returned to campus and are using shift work schedules to maintain appropriate physical distancing. With your help, we have been able to do this in an organized and safe manner. We continue to advance our research activities and fulfill our mission, while coordinating with campus-wide “Return to Campus” efforts. 

A full back to campus onboarding for all lab-based personnel is planned by the end of June.  

As we continue to add additional researchers to campus, please be reminded: Do not return to campus until specifically invited and approved by central research administration.
 
We will be in phase 2 of the Campus COVID-19 Research Reconstitution plan and continue to accomplish those objectives the week of June 15.
 
Building Entry: Those invited and approved to return to campus can check in at any of the four building entry locations for screening across campus. The most convenient location for access to the research towers is the west side of Hensel Phelps. A wristband will be given to wear for the day after completing the entry point requirements. Specific hours for the entry points is listed on the daily health questionnaire.

Community-based research: A working group on this topic has been charged with developing community-based research guidance and this work is ongoing. All face-to-face engagement of community-based research is on hold until the guidance is available and a process for approval is accessible. If you have any questions in the interim, contact Alison Lakin.

Clinical Research Committee: 

• Clinical Research Ramp Up Town Hall next Wednesday, June 17, 2020, from 11:30 am - 1 pm (zoom link).
• CU Anschutz Clinical Research Space: Plans for activation of CU Anschutz space are currently under review in accordance with the clinical research reconstitution plan.
• CU Anschutz Ramp Up of Clinical Research: Step-by-step directions can be found here.

COVID Officials/COVID Plans: Research activity in the basic science spaces continues to expand. Onboarding of lab-based personnel now exceeds 50% of baseline levels and plans for shift work are being utilized by each unit’s COVID officials. It will be critical that all physical distancing guidelines are followed and that occupancy of individual units cannot exceed 50% of the baseline census at any given time as the ramp up continues. 

EHS: We have seen good use of Ethanol-based cleaning solution in the research spaces. Ethanol sales for research purposes are ongoing on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the R2 EtOH Sales Room. Also, we have modified the service schedule for biomedical waste. Additional details on both of these programs can be found here.

OLAR: Thank you to the researchers who have submitted their OLAR Research Restart Form. Please remember to submit the OLAR Addition of Personnel Form as personnel that will work in the vivarium are added to your COVID lab plan and invited back to campus. More detail can be found in the OLAR specific communication.