The continuity of research through potential regional impact of an outbreak requires specific considerations. While we hope contingency measures will not be required, preparedness minimizes impact if they become necessary. The Office of Vice Provost for Research and its reporting offices have a strategy for maintaining essential functions in the case of a significant reduction in workforce or institutional closure. Many of our functions can be managed remotely and we have confirmed that our connections and communication networks are functional. Some essential functions, such as those in University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) and Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS), cannot be moved off campus. Staff in these departments are designated essential personnel and are required to work during institutional closures. Each office has a detailed plan to maintain critical functions through a series of escalated challenges.
For example, in the event of a significant reduction in workforce:
If you haven’t discussed research continuity with your team recently, now is a good time to develop or revisit laboratory contingency plans. Research activities vary dramatically across campus, so the most effective plans will be developed by research groups. Consider the following in your discussions:
University advisories
Visit coronavirus.upenn.edu, the University’s dedicated coronavirus COVID-19 website, for news, preventative health, and travel advisories.
Vice Provost for Research Announcements
March 23, 2020: As soon as it becomes safe to reconvene, we will all work together to find paths to minimize these impacts on your research trajectories. In the meantime, here are some practices that support safe research and safety on campus. Read »
March 16, 2020: Important Information from NIH regarding salaries and travel for research staff charged to grants during COVID-19 disruptions. Read »
March 16, 2020: Valid/Invalid Justifications of Essential Activites to keep in mind while compiling your list of essential personnel, due Tues, March 17. Read »
March 16, 2020: The University of Pennsylvania is instituting new measures to protect the health and safety of our community, as well as to maintain the capability of our health system. Read »
March 13, 2020: Suggested practice while we await special guidance for federal grant management. Read »
March 12, 2020: Research facilities will be operating, and the offices supporting research are functioning normally. Read »
March 10, 2020: Continuity Plans for laboratories and research support offices in the event of a significant reduction in workforce. Read »
Perelman School of Medicine
March 13, 2020: We are strongly encouraging the research community to promote work from home wherever possible to depopulate our campus without impacting our primary missions in patient care and urgent research.
March 11, 2020: Access technology: A list of the infrastructure and technology to support remote working, teaching, learning, and conferencing and ensure research proceeds without disruption. Read »
March 10, 2020: Penn Medicine travel, conference and meeting policies effective immediately. Read »
Environmental Health & Radiation Safety Update
COVID-19 Resource Hub for Laboratories: Extensive resources for laboratory scientists as well as staff and faculty from the Environmental Health and Radiation Safety Office. Includes info on masks, respirators, ventilators, PPE, cleaning, deliveries, construction, law enforcement and home office ergonomics. Read »
Guidance for COVID-19 Research Projects: Research involving COVID-19 patient specimens and SARS-CoV-2 virus is subject to enhanced oversight by the Biosafety office. Read »
March 17, 2020: EHRS offers guidance to assist you with the temporary suspension of operations in your lab. Read »
IRB: Human Subjects Protections Related to COVID-19
Submission Processing During COVID-19: Review and Processing of Biomedical Research Requiring Review by the Convened Board. IRB Approval vs. Authorization to Initiate/Continue Research. Informed Consent updates. Read »
March 10, 2020: Penn Medicine has instituted mandatory COVID19 travel-screening questions for all patients who are seen. Because many patients are also research participants, the Penn IRB and OCR are providing clarifications to the Penn Clinical Research Community. Read »
ULAR Coronavirus Continuity Plan Supporting Animal Research
March 11, 2020: Plans for husbandry staff, veterinarians and researchers regarding staffing, equipment, animal protections and continued research. Read (login required) »
March 10, 2020: The process for continuity planning and comprehensive contact information. Read (login required) »
Staff Guidance
Visit Human Resources’ Coronavirus Health and Safety resource for frequently asked questions, guidance on pay and leave scenarios, and remote work guidelines.