April 2, 2020

We hope this message finds you and your families safe and in good health. All of us in Research Development and the Office of Sponsored Programs are thinking of you during these extraordinary circumstances that have disrupted research, teaching, training and service to our communities.

We know that the recent, difficult decision to suspend all non-essential research activities taking place in University facilities will have impact on your work. We have proactively contacted sponsors who have reached out to us to let them know of the recent change in research operations and to signal that we may need to explore adjustments in project timelines, scopes, and budgets as we better and more fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on NYU’s research portfolio.

Federal agencies and other sponsors are affording administrative flexibilities to reduce burden by providing additional time, expanding the authority to re-budget and restructure aims and milestones as needed and in some cases providing opportunities to seek supplemental funding. Sponsor COVID-19 guidance and FAQ’s to help provide answers to some common questions as you work on proposals and funded projects remotely until onsite research at the University is fully restored are continuously updated and available here. We’ve also created a page dedicated to NYU COVID-19 Research Resources which provides information on internal and external funding opportunities as well as connections to your colleagues across NYU mobilizing a COVID-19 research response.

While we understand that you may not yet fully know the impact of COVID-19 on your sponsored projects, our teams stand at the ready to assist you with ongoing assessments, communications with sponsors, and proactive implementation of flexibilities afforded to provide you with peace of mind and additional time to determine next steps.

As you determine impact on your sponsored project(s) and require adjustments, please reach out to your school’s department administrator and your OSP Project Officer. We will coordinate efforts along with the Sponsored Programs Administration team to recalibrate projects if and as needed.

We understand the myriad challenges you and your teams face and are deeply concerned about scientific progress. We are focused on research preservation and continuity of funding. Research Development and Office of Sponsored Programs are available to support you in determining available options and finding a way forward.

Nancy Daneau
Associate Vice Provost for Research

Jason St. Germain
Senior Director, Office of Sponsored Programs