Wave 2 Research Reactivation Announced
A message from Dr. Kunkel
Dear Colleagues,
I have good news for you today! The week-long experience that both our researchers and “greeters” have had in reactivating the BSRB has proven to be safe and a success. As a next step, we will be working with labs participating in that pilot wave to add a second shift in the second week of June. I thank you for your compliance, understanding, and flexibility, as you have adhered to the re-entry policy under the Research Re-engagement Plan. Consequently, we are now able to move forward into Wave 2 of building reactivations, with the following approved by UMOR for reopening on Monday, June 8:
- MSRB 1, 2, 3
- MBNI
- NCRC 14, 23, 35, 36, 60, 90
As with BSRB, these buildings will reopen in compliance with the guidelines from both the governor and central campus, with an initial 30% of personnel capacity allowed access to the buildings. Also similar to BSRB, we have communicated the reactivation process for these buildings to department leadership. CLICK HERE to view the webpage outlining that process, as well as links to reactivation FAQs from OoR, Facilities, and EHS. Please note that if you have not already completed the MyLinc training module “COVID 19: Working Safely in U-M Research Areas,” you will need to do so before being permissioned for access to any research building.
I’d also like to invite you to log in for a virtual Research Town Hall on Tuesday, June 2 at 3:30PM, hosted by Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, U-M Vice President for Research. The meeting will offer an overview of how reactivation is progressing across the entire campus, with panelists including myself and research leadership from the College of Engineering, LSA, and other schools. CLICK HERE for login details, as well as a link for submitting questions in advance.
Activities in BSRB, and these newly ramped-up buildings, will for the time being look and operate very differently than they did pre-COVID. Yet I am confident that with the creativity and diligence of our research community, we will be able to jump-start the very important work we do. We’ve received much helpful feedback from some of the 400+ who have been part of the first wave, and I’d encourage you to CLICK HERE to read the comments from Renee Beardslee, a lab specialist in BSRB. Her thoughtful observations and photos paint an encouraging picture of what it’s like to return to work in these unusual circumstances we are all experiencing because of COVID-19. Thank you for your continued patience and stay safe.
Best regards,
Steve
Steven L. Kunkel, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Dean for Research, Medical School
Chief Scientific Officer, Michigan Medicine
Peter A. Ward Distinguished University Professor
Endowed Professor of Pathology Research