Research Operations Guides

Resources ranging from summer employment and pay guidelines to cybersecurity tips and COVID-19 research funding opportunities — and more — are available on our Research Operations Guidance page.

Campus Resources

From printable signage promoting social distancing and a new-normal handshake rule to CDC recommendations and e-learning resources, you can find a series of links, guides and downloads on our resources page.

Responding to COVID-19: Purdue Research

Transition to Phase 2 of our Return to Research Operations plan (May 19, 2020)

COVID-19 Specific PPE and Supplies (May 14, 2020)

Current Research Operations (Updated: May 19, 2020)

We appreciate your dedication to advancing Purdue’s research mission in a safe and responsible way during this unprecedented time. Governor Holcomb’s recent executive order provided an exemption for universities to perform critical research or essential functions given that social distancing practices are followed.

The critical research and support functions at Purdue campus laboratories, agricultural centers, and field sites are defined at this link. Principal investigators or facility/site directors who did not complete the online “Critical On-Campus Research Continuity Information Form” before May 17 but who wish to continue work that falls into one of more of the critical categories should contact Associate Vice President Chris Agnew (agnew@purdue.edu) for guidance.

All personnel should follow previously announced guidance on social distancing/safety hygiene practices, use of proper lab and safety equipment, and use of buddy system in labs with hazardous materials. Additionally, researchers who are sick, have returned from international travel outside of the state, or have concerns over their personal health and safety should not come to campus.

To continue remotely, researchers are encouraged to work on data analysis, writing projects, literature reviews, or online learning (coding, statistics, etc.). Group members should be well equipped to work remotely (VPN, Duo, etc.), including obtaining special accommodations and approvals for use of proprietary or protected data and computing resources.

Research FAQs

I have a question for Sponsored Program Services on available guidance concerning grants/contracts. Where can I find answers?

This website is the best place to start for guidance from various agencies and associations.
I am a graduate student with a question about being on campus, enrollment, housing, examinations, my committee or graduation. Is there guidance?

Answers to these questions can be found here.
Where can I find information about COVID-19 specific supplies?
Who can obtain COVID-19 specific supplies?
Due to our initial limited supply, only research groups and support personnel that are currently on campus conducting critical research are eligible to collect centrally stocked COVID-19 PPE and supplies at this time. Other research groups will be able to secure PPE and supplies after receiving approval to return to campus operation.
What COVID-19 specific supplies are currently available for use in research labs?
- Level 1 disposable surgical face coverings
- Nitrile gloves with and without powder
- Hand sanitizer in 2 oz, 4 oz, 32 oz bottles
- Disinfectant spray and wipes (limited supply available)
What is the process to secure COVID-19 supplies?
Process to secure COVID-19 specific supplies for your research group:
At this time, centrally stocked COVID-19 specific PPE and supplies can be picked up by a designated member of your research group at the Surplus Store in the Materials Management and Distribution Center (MMDC) following the process delineated below. Due to our initial limited supply, only research groups and support personnel that are currently on campus conducting critical research are eligible to collect centrally stocked COVID-19 PPE and supplies at this time. Other research groups will be able to secure PPE and supplies after receiving approval to return to campus operation.
- Principle investigators with critical research should complete the online pickup request form that can be found here. The supply quantity will be determined by the number of researchers and support personnel in your group and their level of on-campus activity.
- After completing the request form, call the Surplus Store at 765-496-2222 to arrange a time and date to pick up your supplies. Hours are 9 am – 3 pm, Monday – Friday.
- Print out the confirmation e-mail that you receive from purchasingrequest@purdue.edu and take it with you to the Surplus Store for pickup.
- If you have any questions related to this process, please call 765-496-2222.
Where do I pick up COVID-19 specific supplies?
Pickup location is the dock door of the Surplus Store on the north side of the MMDC building at 700 Ahlers Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
If you have any questions related to this process, please call 765-496-2222.
How will we be charged for the supplies?
As the Purdue research enterprise is returning to operation, centrally stocked COVID-19 specific PPE and supplies will be made available for use in campus buildings, research labs, and off-campus locations at no charge to sponsored programs, colleges, or departments. Other equipment and supplies required as part of your normal laboratory operations should be purchased and cost allocated in the usual manner.
After traveling domestically, do I need to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to work in a research laboratory?

A 14-day quarantine after returning to research from domestic travel has been lifted.
What if I have been travelling internationally?
Following current CDC guidance, all Purdue employees and students returning from international travel are subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine prior to returning to the Purdue campus.