In Phase II+, lead researchers have the opportunity to update their on-campus research ramp-up plans if needed. The new RedCAP forms for Phase II+ are now available. Lead researchers who previously submitted an intake form, or requested an exception, in Phase I or II will receive a personalized email with a link to the new Phase II+ version. To reduce administrative burdens, all previously entered responses will pre-populate the new form. If multiple forms were submitted, a separate email will be sent for each. If a personalized link has not been received via email by 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, contact ovpr@vanderbilt.edu for assistance.
Lead researchers who will be submitting a phased research ramp-up form of any kind for the first time in Phase II+ should use the weblink provided on the VU research website. Please consult the transitioning to Phase II+ research ramp-up decision tree and, if necessary, the FAQs for Phased Research Ramp-up. As a reminder, there is no need to submit a form to conduct research activities remotely with all research team members remaining off campus and interacting only virtually.
The Phase II+ Exception Request for Off-Campus Research Form must be submitted to seek special permission to conduct off-campus research activities within the continental U.S., including the Metro Nashville area outside of Vanderbilt. As a reminder, for the purposes of phased research ramp-up, “off-campus” refers to spaces that are not owned, operated or leased by VU or VUMC such as Nashville Public Schools, Oak Ridge National Lab, or the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
For faculty who would like to mentor VU undergraduate students in a research project that involves in-person activities, as is customary, faculty should work with the undergraduate student to plan the research activities they propose to undertake. During Phase II+, these plans must be reviewed and approved before they can be implemented. This process will be managed through the Phase II+ forms in RedCAP, including review by the Ad Hoc Research Ramp-up Working Group in consultation with the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and, as appropriate, the VUMC Office of Research. After VU approval, additional requirements must be fulfilled by undergraduates working with VUMC-employed faculty mentors before the approved research starts. Medical Center Relations (MCR) is the central VUMC approval office for all VU undergraduate students seeking a research experience at VUMC. Contact MCR at vumc.iso@vumc.org. Until further notice, undergraduate students will not be granted access to clinical systems containing protected health information (i.e., eStar).
For further information, contact Vice Provost for Research Padma Raghavan at padma.raghavan@vanderbilt.edu or ovpr@vanderbilt.edu.