Research

KU researchers led the return to campus early in the summer. Researchers who were approved to return to research buildings and labs participated in a pilot test of the CVKey app, which has been implemented for use by all students, faculty and staff when entering campus buildings. As they do in many other ways, researchers led the way in KU's science-based approach to a safer campus environment.

Resuming research operations

As a Research I university, one of KU’s top priorities is a safe and thoughtful reactivation of our research endeavors. The phased reopening of research activities began in May and continued through the summer and into fall. While the university and researchers were eager to return continue important research, they did so at a cautious pace, under the guidance of Kansas health officials and the CDC. Read more about resuming operations, what it meant for certain kinds of research, and funding opportunities on the KU Office of Research’s Next Steps for On-Campus Research guidelines.

Health and safety

Following protocols

Once approved by the Vice Chancellor for Research to resume on-campus research activity, researchers wree required to follow strict health and safety protocols, including

Wearing a mask at all times while on campus.
Working remotely whenever possible.
Following cleaning guidelines and schedules, as outlined by KU policy and supervisor direction.

See the KU Office of Research’s Next Steps for On-Campus Research guidelines for more details about health and safety measures for researchers.

Health monitoring app

In their phased return to campus in early summer, researchers used CVKey, a new health monitoring app piloted by KU. Developed by a non-profit organization founded by Brian McClendon, KU engineering professor and a former Google vice president, the app allows students, faculty, and staff to track their health and assess risks of exposure and symptoms. Daily self-assessments are used to gain access to KU buildings.

(page updated 8/25/20)