COVID-19 response

On-campus research has returned to pre-pandemic operations. This page is for historical reference only. For the latest COVID-19 updates, please visit the Protect KU website.

Protect KU

Updated April 5, 2022

KU phased out its mask requirement in non-classroom and classroom settings on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses effective March 28. Masks are still required on buses and in Watkins Health Center. View the full text of the announcement. 

New study submissions proposing in-person human research will no longer require the following documentation related to COVID safety:

  • Reactivation safety plan or checklist
  • Re-consent of participants with COVID language in the consent form
  • Tracking safety compliance with a procedural integrity checklist

The university has lifted restrictions on business-related travel, along with the requirement to file documentation of approved exceptions with the Office of Research. Nevertheless, travelers should continue to consider the risks and benefits of travel, noting especially that quarantine measures may disrupt travel plans and lead to costs that cannot be charged to sponsored projects.

For up-to-date information about current health and safety protocols, visit the Protect KU website. Please note that the site is a living resource that continues to evolve based on ever-changing circumstances in our community and across the state and nation.

Effective immediately, the Human Research Protection Program is moving to Phase 4 in its phased reactivation approach, which removes COVID-related restrictions on in-person human subjects research. The move to Phase 4 is prompted by current low COVID-19 risk levels, public health guidance, and easing of KU safety precautions as of March 3 and March 28.

Learn more about reactivating human subjects research

Contact HRPP at 785-864-7385 or irb@ku.edu with any questions.

Staffing impacts

The Office of Research continues to work remotely and expects to provide normal service levels.  

PIs should continue to request assistance for proposal preparation and review as early as possible; Pre-Award support is expected to continue as normal. Given the increased reliance on remote working and electronic communications, increased time should be provided for proposal review and submission to avoid delays related to slow systems or outages. Contact Pre-Award or your research center to initiate proposal preparation or to ask sponsor-specific questions.  

For project-specific communications and questions for sponsors, please contact Post-Award.

Sponsor communications

If you receive any communication from your sponsor regarding the impact of COVID-19 and the Office of Research is not already copied, please forward those notices to Alicia Reed and work with Post-Award on any sponsor response. Office of Research will assist you in communicating the impact to the sponsor.

Proposal deadlines

Most federal agencies, including NIH and NSF, do not grant prior approval for late submissions; however, there are existing policies that address extenuating circumstances. If you find yourself unable to submit your grant on time due to COVID-19, please contact Pre-Award or your research center to discuss your situation. 

Find additional sponsored projects guidance in the COVID-19 Research FAQs.