Coronavirus and Your Research Program

Dear Faculty, 
As University officials continue to monitor the coronavirus developments, we would like to share some great questions and scenarios that Case Western has posed as you consider such impacts and your research program: https://case.edu/research/about/hot-topics/coronavirus-and-your-research-program.  Remember, if you have an IRB protocol and need to make modifications in preparation for the coronavirus, these need to be submitted to the IRB and approved before implementation.  
Sponsored Research Services (SRS) is actively monitoring agency announcements as well.  Below are a few NSF Q&A’s that may be pertinent to you and your awards.   You can find more NSF information here: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20053/nsf20053.jsp?WT.mc_id=USNSF_80#q4
Please contact SRS at srs@clarkson.edu or x6475 if you have any questions regarding your proposal submissions and/or award administration. 
Best,
Shannon 
Associate Vice President for Research & Technology Transfer /
Executive Director of Institutional Planning  

1. Will NSF provide for an extension to my award if the planned activities are disrupted by the COVID-19 public health threat?
   All NSF awards are eligible for one-year grantee-approved no-cost extensions and then further extensions as approved by NSF. If you foresee a need for NSF-approved extensions, you should include that information in your annual report and discuss the need ahead of time with the cognizant NSF program officer for your award. See the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), Chapter VI.D.3, for additional information.
2. I am a PI on a NSF-funded Conference or Travel award, but the meeting has been canceled. Who do I contact regarding the impact to the NSF award?
   You should contact the cognizant NSF program officer about this situation. In light of the public health threat, you may wish to consider alternate plans, such as providing or using options for virtual participation. In addition, NSF program officers will be open to rescheduling the conference or using the funds for a future meeting that is consistent with the original scope and objectives of the award.
3. A conference has been canceled, but I have nonrefundable travel and/or hotel costs. Can these be charged to a NSF Conference or Travel grant?
   NSF is currently working internally as well as with our federal partners on a number of proposal and award-related issues pertaining to COVID-19. NSF will communicate with the community about these issues and will provide guidance as further information becomes available. In the meantime, please continue to follow all relevant policies and procedures, including those of your organization, and apply those practices consistently.
4. I am involved with a Conference or Travel award for a meeting that is taking place in the coming weeks. Should I continue with plans for the meeting?
   NSF recommends first reaching out to the conference organizer or host. They are best equipped to understand the guidance at the location of the event. They may recommend having contingency plans if the event is ultimately cancelled or re-located, or might be planning to provide options for virtual participation. If you are the organizer, you may wish to consider developing contingency plans.We also suggest checking the State Department Travel Advisories website if the conference involves foreign travel.