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This message contains important information about research operations. 

Please refer to the COVID-19 Response: Guidance for Researchers website for updates.

 

Dear University of Calgary Researchers,

Thank you for working with your departments, faculties, and the VP Research office to complete the Critical Research Designation requirement that we implemented on March 21, 2020.

We have now streamlined the Critical Research Designation process. Effective April 17, a webform is available, meaning no documents or physical signatures are required. Complete details can be found on the Guidance for Researchers website. 

If you have received approval, no action is required.

However, you must take action if you have not received approval, and your research, scholarship, or creative activities depend upon:

  • Individuals working on campus
  • Access to campus infrastructure
  • Field work
  • Working in the community

Note that if the details of your work have changed since obtaining approval, you must submit your changes for approval.

New Critical Research Designation webform

Updates and reminders:

Critical Research Designation Form now online

As of April 16, 2020, the Critical Research Designation form is available as a webform. Physical signatures are not required.

Undergraduate Student Research

Undergraduate students are NOT permitted to participate in Critical Research activities unless they have received sufficient training under your supervision prior to March 2020. Please read more about summer studentships and undergraduate student work.

Field and Community Work

Research where data are collected in the field or in the community MUST receive Critical Research Designation to continue. This decision aligns with several institutional, provincial, and federal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

  • Suspension of research and teaching activities at the Biogeoscience Institute until June 30, 2020;
  • Suspension of activities and visitors at the Kluane Lake Research Station until June 30, 2020
  • Suspension of vehicle access to Alberta’s provincial parks and recreations areas;
  • Closure of national parks;
  • Various travel restrictions and advisories; and
  • Various Indigenous communities taking steps to limit access to their communities.

Additionally, when health care supports are strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must careful consider the risk of injury or illness in remote locations. We must ensure the safety of members of our university and members of our communities.

Working outside of your home

No one is obligated to work on campus or in the field, even in cases where there is Critical Research Designation. Be sure to communicate this point to your team, and support those who do not feel comfortable to work outside of their home. Individuals feeling pressured to work outside of their home can find contact information on the Guidance for Researchers website.

We understand just how challenging these recent weeks have been. It has been truly impressive to see our research community respond so nimbly. We deeply appreciate your perseverance.

Stay organized, plan ahead, and stay safe. If you have questions or comments, please contact me at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Dr. William Ghali
Vice-President (Research)

 

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