Wednesday, April 24

UCLA to suspend majority of nonessential on-campus research


UCLA is shutting down most on-campus research following a “safer at home” order for Los Angeles County, officials announced Friday. Those who wish to continue must request permission. (Daily Bruin file photo)


Most on-campus research will shut down starting 11:59 p.m. on Friday, with the exception of that which cannot be done remotely, campus officials said.

Researchers must obtain permission for essential experiments and for essential research personnel to remain on campus. Those without permission or pending requests are required to stop work.

“Essential” personnel are defined as those necessary to ensure the well-being and matiencence of research animals, perishable or not easily replaceable research materials or equipment, as well as those working on projects with narrow timeframes for completion, said Roger Wakimoto, vice chancellor for research and creative activities, in a campuswide email Friday.

All animal orders and transfers for animal facilities are to be put on hold. However, basic animal care is expected to continue. UCLA has also prioritized research into COVID-19, according to the email.

In-person clinical visits for clinical research will also be restricted and under review by UCLA Health.

Wakimoto asked researchers to prepare for this reduction in on-campus research activity until potentially the end of spring quarter.

Other campus facilities have shut down, including libraries and recreational facilities. The decision comes after a “safer at home” order from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and a “stay at home” order from California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday.

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News and outreach senior staff

Chavez-Martinez was the 2020-2021 Outreach Director. She was previously an assistant news editor managing the campus politics beat and still writes for the Daily Bruin news section occasionally. She is also a fourth-year English and Economics student at UCLA.


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