Human Research Reactivation Update

June 16, 2021

Over the past year, human research that has the potential for in-person interactions with participants has been phased in using a Tiered approach. In-person interactions with human participants by MSU employees, MSU students, or agents of MSU were paused unless the activity was permitted under a Tier and a Human Research Plan for a Safe Return was approved.

The university continues to adapt to changes in COVID-19 requirements and continues to move forward with processes to return to on-site work. Dr. Gage recently provided expectations for active research teams regarding research under new on-site work framework (Research Reactivation Update).

This information is in follow-up to these changes.

Effective June 16, 2021:

• The MSU Returning to On-Site Work framework plans completed by the major administrative unit (MAU) replace the MSU Human Research Plan and use of the Tiers.
  
  
• Because the MSU Returning to On-Site Work framework replace the Human Research Plans and use of the Tiers, in-person interactions with research participants by MSU employees, MSU students, or agents of MSU are now permitted so long as the research team’s MAU has obtained approval for their MSU Return to On-Site Work framework.
  
  
• However, because there are unique considerations specific to human research, the MSU COVID-19 Considerations for In-Person Interactions with Research Participants document has been developed and research teams are expected to incorporate these considerations into their interactions with research participants. The guiding principle has been and continues to be the safety of our students, staff, faculty, and the community.

All in-person interactions with research participants by MSU employees, MSU students, or agents of MSU must follow current COVID-19 university requirements and as applicable, any local site requirements including facility (e.g., school, hospital) and city, state, or country requirements. Please be prepared to pause in-person interactions again if a spike in COVID-19 infections occurs.

We are in the process of updating the resources on the MSU HRPP COVID-19 website to reflect these changes. If you have any questions, please contact Judy McMillan (mcmill12@msu.edu).

Again, we thank you for your patience and understanding. It has been a difficult period for everyone. Now we want to get human research reactivated, but it must be done in a manner that will ensure the safety of research participants and research teams.

View the MSU COVID-19 Considerations for In-Person Interactions with Research Participants.