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MechE Research Ramp-up Webform

This MechE webform is to help our PIs and community collect and provide the data required by MIT’s “Initial Process for On-campus Research Ramp-Up”. This webform enables a coordinated department level data collection, is dynamic, and allows our research community to be efficient. As the covid-19 situation evolves, every PI can adapt her/his specific plans by revisiting this webform and updating her/his own data and answers. Similarly, as you provide new inputs or if the Institute updates its ramp-up guidance, we can update some questions.

Please be sure to first check the detailed MIT guidance and instructions on this On-campus Research Ramp-Up and the corresponding email we sent you. Below, in the webform entries that you have to fill out, we have extracted the key parts of the MIT guidance and instructions. We provide you with MechE floor plans with room sizes and all of the Checklist Forms that you need to fill. You can also find additional MechE guidelines as well as health and safety considerations here.

As shown in Figure 1, the first phase of the research ramp-up (RR) allows PIs to have an on-campus research activity up to 25% of their full research capacity (definition). During the research ramp-up, MIT is maintaining the policy that all work that can be done remotely, must be done remotely. After a period of time and with the successful implementation of the RR Phase 1, PIs will be given the opportunity to increase their on-campus research activity to up to 50% of full capacity (Phase 2).

Key dates for PI data collection (Phase I) were (see Figure 2):

  • May 26, 2020 RR Planning Exercise A (Space): To determine how physical space will be managed and occupied to allow for proper density and spacing of individuals according to CDC guidelines and MIT policies.
  • June 1, 2020 RR Planning Exercise B (Personnel): To manage the specific personnel that will utilize the research space and carry out the research ramp-up in a phased fashion.

It is important to note that not all personnel will be able to or will choose to return to campus during the research ramp-up. The return to campus is fully voluntary, and personnel cannot feel pressured to return. Returning personnel will have to agree to taking an initial SARS-CoV-2 viral test upon re-entry to campus and undergo subsequent testing and health monitoring of symptoms related to COVID-19 as deemed necessary by MIT Medical.

Detailed Instructions and Examples

The Institute reminds us that: (1) No PI will be able to ramp up their research without completing their RR plans and having those plans approved by their DLC. (2) Core facilities will also be asked to submit a core plan. Those plans follow guidelines that are outlined here.