Office of Research & Economic Development

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of South Alabama has initiated the Emergency Response and Recovery Plan.  SPA staff has initiated internal processes to assure continuity of work, including the submission of proposals via Cayuse 424.  Federal sponsors are being monitored for any business process changes, including deadlines, due to an emergency such as COVID-19.

The Office of Research and Economic Development is providing a link to the Research Continuity Policy and Guidance During Pandemic Event, and the Laboratory Activity Plan During Pandemic form. The Continuity Policy references a required Research Plan and approval for students to carry out research during the COVID-19 campus closure. Please review both documents and if you have any questions or concerns contact our office.

Clinical trials are an important part of the South Alabama service to our Community. During this time that we are dealing with COVID-19, we need to take additional precautions and safety measure in our clinical trials and human subjects research. Please see the Modified Guidance for Clinical Trial Research & COVID-19 for new and continuing trials. For questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the individuals listed at the end of the Guidance documents.

The University of South Alabama Health System is in need of PPE supplies, including N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). These items are described in the linked document. Any university unit, including departments, studios and laboratories, is welcome to donate supplies and other needed resources to the USA Health System. These donations may be reimbursable through NIH or Stimulus.

As of April 2nd 2020, Florida, Mississippi and Georgia have issued “shelter in place” orders.  It is highly likely that Alabama will follow suit although we have no specific information.  In light of the orders from our surrounding states, we are requiring that any laboratory that MUST remain open request approval by 5:00 PM, April 3rd.  The Non-Clinical Laboratory Closure Guidance outlines some of the processes that must be followed, as appropriate, when closing or partially closing a Laboratory or Studio.

1. Please see the attached Guidance and Forms for directions and review carefully. Because of the serious nature of the pandemic only critical Laboratories may remain operational.
2. Please see the definition of “Essential” and “Partially Essential”. Basically “Essential” generally refers to work that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Partially Essential” refers to facilities or e.g. cell lines that must be maintained but work generally will not be on-going-maintenance only.
3. The forms may be signed electronically. It is intended that only faculty be deemed Essential personnel. Any waivers must have very complete documentation and will be granted only on exceptional circumstances.

Requests must be approved by the Dean or for CoM by Mary Townsley and forwarded to Lynne Chronister at lchronister@southalabama.edu by 5:00 PM on Friday April 3rd.

Please find attached a guideline for conducting digital research remotely.