3/18 GSDM Update on Research Activity
Dear colleagues,
We are continuing to monitor rapidly evolving developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority is to safeguard the health of the GSDM community and beyond while limiting the impact on research resources and progress.
We are asking all GSDM researchers to minimize research activity to the greatest extent possible, and to plan for this period of minimal activity to last for several weeks. Our primary goal is to minimize social interactions and the density of personnel on campus. As such, as much research-related activity as possible should be conducted remotely.
To ensure continuity of activities, please complete a Continuity of OperaLons Plan (COOP) form and have copies available for your lab staff and the Research office.
Please continue to decontaminate your lab space as usual. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is finalizing guidelines for labs and facilities to follow when disinfecting spaces, if there is a positive case in the lab.
In addition to the University’s requirements for academic-related activities, below are specific considerations outlined for BUMC researchers:
- Update contact numbers for lab members, and include those numbers in the COOP;
- Update the contact information on freezers and instruments that have alarm points;
- Determine who needs to be present in the lab. If there are tasks that can be done remotely, then these lab members do not need to be on the campus;
- If possible, rotate or alternate lab member schedules in the lab; 5. Plan for sudden changes in the work force;
- Consider not starting new projects, or training new lab members;
- Conduct web-based lab meetings; and
- Be prepared for any possible disruptions in deliveries, and services including access to core facilities.
Further resources are available on the Boston University Research Support website, including information to help plan for disruptions to laboratory operaLons and research. This website also has links to relevant guidance from sponsor agencies. Please note that the NIH has specific guidelines and FAQs, Page 2 of 2 including a late application policy and information on award management under the current circumstances.
Please be reminded that the Boston University, BUMC, and GSDM COVID-19 websites also provide important information and are updated on a regular basis.
We appreciate the unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic is creating. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines for preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of you, your families, and your colleagues.
Best regards,
Maria A. Kukuruzinska, Ph.D.
Professor and Interim Chair
Department of Translational Dental Medicine
Associate Dean for Research
Director, Predoctoral Research Program
Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Director, Head and Neck Cancer Program
Boston University W201, 700 Albany Street Boston, MA 02118 Tel: 617-358-9690 hgp://www.bu.edu/dental-research