Back2BU Research: Human subjects & symptom screening

Research Community Steps Up for Coordinated Recovery Effort

Researchers return to campus in phases, at reduced density

The gradual reintroduction of on-campus research continues, with 315 research groups approved to return to campus and faculty principal investigators (PIs) submitting recovery plans on a rolling basis. Faculty PIs should refer to guidance from the Office of Research for activating research labs and centers, if they haven’t done so already.

Access to campus remains limited and coordinated, with research groups working in shifts at reduced density as outlined in approved recovery plans and all meetings and as much work as possible conducted virtually. Returning researchers are taking proactive steps to minimize infection risk through required daily health screenings, physical distancing, use of face coverings, routine disinfection of research and lab spaces, and working with building coordinators to manage shared spaces.

Human Subjects

Updated guidelines for resuming human subjects work

With updated guidelines in place, the Office of Research is beginning to approve recovery plans for on-campus human subjects research. The University will focus first on essential research with human subjects that can be done under physical distancing guidelines. Some studies involving brief interactions between researcher and subject within six feet, using appropriate personal protective equipment, may be approved at this stage.

Screening & Testing

Daily symptom screen required for all returning researchers

Anyone currently working on campus is required to complete a symptom tracker survey emailed each morning before arriving on campus each day. This is an essential component of the current screening process, and research personnel who do not fill it out consistently risk losing their group’s approval status. If you believe you are approved for on-campus research but are not currently receiving the survey, please reach out to your faculty PI.

Faculty looking to make additions to their groups’ on-campus rosters must secure approval following a formal revision process. Questions? Email the Office of Research.

Community Testing

The University also considers in-house COVID-19 testing an essential public health step—and is developing a plan to test students, faculty, and staff beginning in August. The samples will be tested at a lab set up inside the Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering. 

FAQ: COVID-19 in the Lab

What happens if someone in the lab is experiencing symptoms, tests positive, or comes in close contact with someone who’s tested positive?

The person feeling sick should stay home and contact:

• Students: Student Health Services (SHS) via Patient Connect
• Faculty & Staff: The COVID-19 Support Line: 617-358-4990

SHS or BU Occupational Health (BUOHC) will advise the individual on whether they need testing or medical attention; determine whether an employee needs to be off work and for how long, or whether a student needs to quarantine; notify the employee, manager, and HR of any leave or restriction; and notify Environmental Health & Safety and Facilities of positive cases so they can determine necessary cleaning and disinfecting. When a positive case is confirmed, SHS or BUOHC will conduct contact tracing for BU contacts and notify and advise all potentially exposed persons at BU, following public health guidelines.