There are many uncertainties about what the COVID-19 pandemic and pandemic responses will mean for investigators, research staff and research study participants. While we defer to IWK Health for policies, processes and operational direction during this event, we strive to answer questions specific to conducting research in this document. Recognizing that significant changes in how we operate will continue to evolve as we move forward and implement solutions, the information below will also evolve as we work to support the research community.
The links below require a Pulse login:
IWK Health Protocols for Viral Protection
Important Updates to Research Activities (January 6, 2022)
Important Updates to Research Activities (August 5, 2021)
IWK Research COVID-19 Pandemic Response FAQ (June 17, 2020)
If you have questions specific to research, please direct them to research@iwk.nshealth.ca.
Research Ethics
Processes Concerning Research Protocols During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Purpose: With the activation of SOP 5.503 (REB Review During Publicly Declared Emergencies), the REB may, during a publicly declared emergency “follow a modified review and operations plan”. The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to inform the processes concerning research protocols during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Note: Effective August 5, 2021, SOPs 503 and 505 have been stood down as part of IWK Health Protocols for Viral Protection. Please see the Important Updates to Research Activities dated August 5, 2021 for more information.
Resumption of onsite research
As IWK Health works toward the resumption of onsite services, we are able to move forward plans to expand the current research activities being conducted onsite. We’re entering new terrain as we prepare to resume some onsite research activities, including facing the possibility of subsequent waves of COVID‐19.
Note: Effective August 5, 2021, SOPs 503 and 505 have been stood down as part of IWK Health Protocols for Viral Protection. Please see the Important Updates to Research Activities dated August 5, 2021 for more information.
Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund (CRCEF)
The Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund (CRCEF) was announced on May 15, 2020, as part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. The temporary program was established to help sustain the research enterprise at Canadian universities and health research institutions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stage 3 of CRCEF will provide funding for incurred costs associated with maintenance and ramp-up of research activities.
Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund (CRCEF) (July 15, 2020)
CRCEF Stage 3 – Deadline Nov. 9 (October 26, 2020)
All IWK researchers with active research accounts are encouraged to review account expenses and identify eligible CRCEF Stage 3 costs (see Eligible Costs list below). Research funding may be from government or non-government sources. (Only direct costs of research that are extraordinary and incremental to those already covered by existing sources of funds and have been incurred between March 15 and November 15, 2020 will be reimbursed, at up to 75%. Note: The costs of research personnel can be eligible for partial reimbursement at up to 75% in Stage 3 for the period of August 30, 2020, to November 15, 2020, provided that the costs meet the Stage 3 eligible expenses criteria.
Stage 3 Eligible Expenses Criteria:
- Unanticipated additional costs that would not have been incurred in the absence of the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot be funded by existing sources of funds
- For direct costs associated with maintenance and ramp-up of research activities
- Costs borne by research projects
- Approved by the decision-making group identified for CRCEF
Projects with considerable financial balances at the end of the fiscal year (March 31, 2020) are not eligible (i.e., less than 10% of total budget has been spent).
To be eligible for Stage 3, institutions must meet equity, diversity, and inclusion requirements. For CRCEF Stage 3, the highest priority for funding will be for applicants from equity-seeking or underrepresented groups. Other priority groups include applicants who have been personally impacted by the pandemic, applicants who undertake non-traditional or unconventional research, and early career researchers. (There is an opportunity to self-identify on the application form.) Projects that are close to their grant end date will be of lower priority.
More detailed information on the CRCEF program
Frequently Asked Questions
The IWK is participating in the CRCEF through Dalhousie University: more information on the program can be found here.