COVID-19 Research Continuity

University leadership continues to monitor worldwide COVID-19 disease-related developments. Important information and updates for the broader campus are provided through NC State’s Coronavirus Response website. Research and Innovation has put together a list of frequently asked questions about research continuity.

The university is approaching our research restart using a phased approach in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Phase I guidelines (5/18/20-6/7/20): Colleges will approve which projects are appropriate for restart. In the first phase of research restart, research spaces (labs and facilities) will not be allowed to be occupied beyond 35% of capacity, with a minimum of 250 square feet per occupant.

Phase II guidelines (6/8/20 – 7/12/20): All research restart requests will allow for a minimum of one person regardless of the size of the room. When there is more than one occupant in a room, research restart requests must allow for a minimum of 200 square feet per occupant. You may use up to 100% of your assigned research space (labs and facilities) provided the layout and equipment allow appropriate physical distancing among all occupants at all times. During this phase, there will be a max of 10 occupants allowed at one time regardless of the size of the space.

Phase III guidelines (begins 7/13/20): All research activities will be considered for return to campus but must be approved by the department, college associate dean for research and the Office of Research and Innovation. Research restart requests will allow for a minimum of one person regardless of the size of the room. When there is more than one occupant in a room, research restart requests must allow for a minimum of 200 square feet per occupant.

Phase III-B guidelines (begins 9/14/20): All research activities will continue to be considered for return to campus but must be approved by the department, college associate dean for research and the Office of Research and Innovation. Research restart requests will allow for a minimum of one person regardless of the size of the room. During Phase III-B a minimum of 150 square feet is required per occupant in research spaces with a maximum limit of 15 occupants at a given time regardless of the size of the space. Refer to the faculty guide for Phase III-B to help guide decisions and understand the process for returning to campus.

For information about guidelines for general university space please see this document.

We are providing guidance on how to manage disruptions to normal research operations resulting from the precautions (including recommended physical distancing and reduced facility access) taken to avoid widespread COVID-19 communal transmissions. We have gathered some information below to assist in planning.


For undergraduate research guidelines please refer to this document.


For requests that fall outside of the Phase III guidelines, submit a special research exception request.

Office of Research and Innovation

• Research and Innovation units continue to provide critical services remotely. Contact staff via email with inquiries.
• Core facilities are resuming operations at a reduced capacity, please work through your colleges to gain access as part of the research restart process.
• To submit research delivery exception requests, please refer to the information on this page.
• Information about amending your human subject research (IRB) protocol to continue virtual research activities and submitting new protocols to the IRB please find can be found here.
• Research and Innovation plans to maintain funding commitments, including internal seed-funding programs. We will continually reevaluate such programs as necessary and keep the campus community updated.

Resources