Published June 5, 2020
Dear Washington University Faculty, staff and trainees,
As you know, on-campus laboratory-based research activities are currently at the “Orange Level” and activities are ramping-up across both campuses. Currently, most in-person clinical research activities are suspended. At this point in time, we are preparing to begin the ramp-up of our clinical research with a similar phased approach.
As of June 6, 2020, clinical research can begin ramping-up from the Clinical Research – Red Level to Clinical Research – Orange Level activities. This ramp-up means that Principle Investigators (PIs) can develop their plans, and if approved, may begin implementing them. PIs should carefully read the two documents “Considerations in Re-Starting a Clinical Research Study” and “Guidelines for Clinical Research Transitions – Red Level to Orange Level” to guide your planning efforts.
However, if conditions or the situation changes, Washington University leadership may decide to return Clinical Research to Red Level activities and PIs and research teams should be prepared for this eventuality. PIs should exercise careful planning for clinical research activities that pro-actively anticipate challenges and develop agile plans.
There are additional planning activities in progress:
- We are assessing the success of the transition to the Orange level for laboratory research, and determining if we have problem areas that need to be addressed. If you are a laboratory researcher, please look for a survey next week and fill it out. (Thank you!)
- We will be developing the plans for the transition of Clinical Research – Orange Level to Yellow, Level, and will communicate these plans when completed.
- In addition, we are developing plans for the ramp-up of non-clinical human subjects research as well as other types of research.
Importantly, the timeframes and dates for transitions between the levels (Red, Orange, Yellow, and Green) will be different for laboratory-based, clinical research, non-clinical human subjects research, and other types of research.
The OVCR COVID-19 website will continue to be updated as additional information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lodge, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Research
Washington University