Notice Regarding COVID-19
All Research
To the extent possible, Principal Investigators (PIs) should continue their research, particularly aspects of research that can be conducted without visiting a campus or site, such as manuscript writing, data analysis, report writing, administrative tasks. PIs should consider suspending projects or not starting new projects, but if study activities can be conducted remotely, research should proceed in this way.
Please see CUNY COVID-19 Guidance for Research for further guidance on Human Subjects Research, Animal Research, Data Use Agreements, Research with Tissues, Researcher Travel and Use of Equipment and Facilities.
Human Subjects Research
The Queens College Office of Research Compliance has enacted a Return to In-person Human Subjects Research Activity Plan to outline permitted face-to-face human subjects research interactions, the process for receiving approval to conduct research that includes face-to-face interactions with human subjects, and information to be included in the investigator’s IRB application. Queens College recognizes the importance of research for faculty and students; however, careful steps must be taken as we prepare a return to in-person human subjects research in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, human subjects research activity that involves face-to-face interactions will be considered on a case-by-case basis in order of priority set forth in section C and in accordance with the requirements set forth in sections D of the plan, and in accordance with New York State and Queens College guidelines in effect at the time of review.
Administrative Approval
In addition to IRB approval, all research involving direct, in-person human subjects research activity must be submitted to and receive 1) department chair approval; and 2) approval from the school’s dean. Once the dean has approved the project, 3) they will present it to the Queens College Ad Hoc Working Group on Reopening (AHWGR) for approval.
Submissions must include 1) a copy of the investigator’s human subjects research protocol; 2) the COVID-19 Protocol Safety Submission Review Form for Human Subjects Research Projects Involving Face-to-Face Interactions; and 3) a proposed list of spaces for in-person interactions. You can access the AHWGR Protocol Safety Submission form.
General Information
The Office of Research Compliance administers and facilitates regulatory compliance and assurance efforts associated with research activities at CUNY Queens College. Navigate the Office of Research Compliance dropdown menus at the top of this page to find information, policies, and guidance related to Human Subjects Research (HRPP and IRB), Research Involving Animals (IACUC), Conflict of Interest, Export Control, Institutional Biosfatey, Responsible Conduct of Research, and Research Agreements.
See the CUNY Researcher Handbook for information, policies, and guidance related to conducting research. See Chapter 5 of the CUNY Researcher Handbook and the CUNY Research Compliance site for information, policies, procedures, and guidance specifically related to research compliance.
