Upcoming CCTS Events
Planning on working in the COVID-19 research space? It will be important to prepare for the specific requirements for handling infectious materials. The Center for Disease Control makes it clear that research with the actual SARS-CoV2 virus must be performed in a BSL3 laboratory. This includes any culture involving cells isolated from, or exposed, to COVID-19+ patient tissues that may be permissive to virus replication. At this time, there are no definitive guidelines from the NIH or CDC regarding the BSL classification of COVID-19 sample-based research. Because these specimens pose a higher risk than standard agents found in BSL2 laboratories, investigators are expected to adopt more stringent BSL-3 practices and procedures, sometimes referred to as “BSL2+” or BSL2.5”.
To help investigators understand their options, the CCTS has compiled the following resource list:
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CDC’s Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes it clear that research with the actual SARS-CoV2 virus must be performed in a BSL3 laboratory. What is a BSL3 Laboratory? Here are the Biosafety Levels as defined by the National Institutes for Health (NIH):
o BSL 1 - Agents not known to cause disease in healthy adults.
o BSL 2 - Agents associated with human disease. Infectious via percutaneous, ingestion, or mucus membrane exposure.
o BSL 3 - Indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease generally through inhalation.
o BSL 4 - Dangerous/exotic agents posing high individual risk of, frequently fatal, infections usually by the aerosol route. No known vaccines or treatments are available. Also agents with unknown risk of transmission. Courtesy: NIH.gov -
SEBLAB and other BSL3 facilities across the CCTS Partner Network
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The Southeastern Biosafety Laboratory Alabama Birmingham (SEBLAB) is a BSL3 Laboratory located on the UAB campus. SEBLAB consists of biosafety level 2 and level 3 laboratories and animal biosafety level 3 laboratories. SEBLAB’s facility includes 1) an aerobiology suite 2) and imaging suite 3) irradiator 4) vaporized H2O2 decontamination, and 5) a decontamination chamber. BSL3 laboratories like SEBLAB must be used for all ‘research isolating and propagating the virus’, and when working with ‘any culture involving cells isolated from, or exposed, to COVID-19+ patient tissues that are permissive to virus replication.’ (Credit: UAB COVID-19 Containment Guidance for Researchers). Contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , SEBLAB Manager, for more information.
Other BSL3 laboratories in the CCTS Partner Network include:
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The Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at the University of South Alabama
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The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at Tulane University.
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The complete list of BSL labs can be found here.
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Biosafety Level-2 Enhanced Laboratories (also known as BSL2.5 or BSL2+)
Biosafety Level-2 Enhanced Laboratories are BSL2 laboratory facilities that operate using BSL3 procedures. Learn more about the appropriate laboratory for your research by contacting a biosafety representative. (Contact information for UAB: (205) 934-2487, or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) -
The UAB COVID-19 Containment Guidance for Researchers
The UAB Covid-19 Containment Guidance for Research document outlines every step of proper containment.
You're settling in to what conducting clinical and translational research looks like during the time of COVID-19. After you've acknowledged the new COVID-19 research guidelines, take advantage of the list we’ve assembled of CCTS tools that can make a difference for your progress over the coming weeks. All of these offerings can be accessed with ease from the comfort of your home office, kitchen table or couch:
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Schedule a panel. Panels are continuing by virtual meeting, and they are an effective use of time—panels provide expert feedback that makes you 3-4x likely to receive extramural funding subsequently! Get started by reviewing the type of panel you’ll need and then completing a Panel Request Form.
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Join a CCTS online meeting or training event. Connect with others while you learn topics most relevant to this unprecedented time. CCTS has been utilizing Zoom and other technology to provide meetings and trainings that are helpful across a variety of subject matter. For example, this week you can add to your calendar three sessions teaching the skills needed for successful virtual teams, and next week you can join a Research Seminar Series session on IRB Waivers. New virtual learning opportunities are continuing to develop, so keep an eye on upcoming virtual events.
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Schedule a BERD consultation. One-on-one support with study design, data management and statistical analysis are now available by appointment, virtually. Start with an email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll make sure you connect with the CCTS BERD team.
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Study the CCTS Grant Library. If you are in the process of writing your next grant, take some time to review successful submissions. New grants were just added last week!
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Peruse the CCTS Video Channel. New material is posted frequently, and most videos provide the option to toggle back and forth between the presenter and their slide deck. If you ever miss a CCTS event, you can always view it afterwards using this tool. (Want to review CCTS video content from further back? Older material is available here).
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Check out the Clinical Trials Kiosk. If you conduct clinical research, familiarize yourself with the policies, guidelines and resources available in this online kiosk.
Is there anything you wish had been included in this list—anything you could use help with? COVID-19 has affected everyone’s work flow differently, and the CCTS wants to hear from you:
![COVID19](/ccts/images/iStock-1201027933.jpg)
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CCTS Director Robert Kimberly, MD, regarding general research updates related to COVID-19
- In the laboratory setting, complete essential research experiments that are underway but do not initiate new experiments. Observe social distancing, hand washing and other public health guidelines.
- In the clinical setting, essential visits can continue but new enrollment is on hold unless critical to patient health, related to COVID-19 or performed remotely—for example, the trial for Remdesivir has just begun. Determine what is essential vs. non-essential based on the health and well-being of the patient, and use the guidance of local leadership in making that call.
- The work paradigm has changed, and so has the learning paradigm: many learning activities are still happening remotely. Visit the CCTS Upcoming Events page for more.
- In the laboratory and clinical setting, the idea is to make the most of remote team meetings.
Additionally, an important to note for COVID-19 research:
- A COVID-19 enterprise biorepository and data registry initiative is moving forward quickly. This will coordinate and streamline the consenting process for anyone interested in conducting COVID-19-related research. Contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. - As part of this effort, the CCTS and Informatics Institute are working with 15 other academic centers to make patient clinical data available for COVID studies.
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Adam McClintock, Director, Office of the Institution Review Board, UAB
- The Office of the IRB is still fully operational and working hard to help you! Information online is up-to-date, and you can reach out directly to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions. - If a study can be done remotely it should be done remotely. If it must be done in person, procedures should be in place to reduce the opportunity for transmission of COVID-19. Ask, “Is this study visit necessary for the health and wellness of the participant?” If a study is transitioning to remote visits, submit an amendment to Adam McClintock Approval takes 24 hours. Any deviation or non-compliance stemming from COVID-19 changes should still be reported according to IRB policy.
- IRB’s priority has been on COVID-19 projects; other projects are not prohibited but are being prioritized appropriately.
- The Office of the IRB is still fully operational and working hard to help you! Information online is up-to-date, and you can reach out directly to
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Cynthia Joiner, RN, PhD, Associate Vice Chair, Department of Medicine
- Communicate with your research team often, and track progress of the team.
- Stay current because things are changing RAPIDLY. Stay tuned to local changes like hospital and ambulatory guidelines, and also FDA and NIH guidance UAB hospital and ambulatory guidelines. (Websites to watch: NIH.gov, FDA.gov, UAB Office of Research COVID-19 Guidance, IRB Business Continuity Plan, UAB Medicine)
- For essential study visits: screen for COVID-19 on the phone 24 hours in advance, then screen again at the patient care area. Know the symptoms and steps of reporting suspected infection. Resource to consider: Clinical Research Unit on Jefferson Tower 15 is an available and appropriate patient care area.
- UAB Medicine’s policy regarding no visitors also applies to clinical trials. Try to limit this, though caregivers are allowed.
- Communicate with patients. This is a helpful website to share with them: https://www.uab.edu/news/coronavirus/patients
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Paul Muntner, PhD, Associate Dean of Research, UAB School of Public Health
- The School of Public Health (SOPH) is working to continue regularly scheduled activities, continued communication and support for all faculty and students. Some research has halted, but remote work on things like data analysis, new or revised grants, online training, and dissertation progress continues.
- The Survey Research Unit is functioning remotely, and this has been key to collecting public health data at this time.
- SOPH is pulling together ideas for COVID public health research needs, coordinating all ideas to work in a concerted effort.
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Lisa Schwiebert, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs
- Emphasizing focus on stress and personal wellness in a time of great stress is a high priority: take care of yourself! Mental health resources can be found here.
- Trainees and lab personnel not involved in crucial studies are encouraged to work on things easily done from home: reading literature, analyzing data, and staying connected with colleagues.
- It is expected that research mentors articulate a plan for their trainees and allow flexibility and curtail all studies that are not immediately necessary.
- Regarding the hiring freeze: only offers already on paper can go forward. International trainees are delayed based on federal policy until at least June 1st.
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Discussion Questions & Answers
Here are a few of the questions that followed presentations:
- How will NIH and other sponsors address delays in research progress? Will they be issuing no-cost extensions? Sponsors and the NIH are amenable to changes that need to be made—developments are still in process but there is a clear understanding that flexibility is needed. In place already: no-cost, one year extensions for eligible grants that can be submitted through the Office of Sponsored Programs. Information coming soon: there may be reimbursements for additional costs incurred because of COVID, so every lab should keep track of added expenses in case the federal government provides some support.
- Is trainee funding secured? Yes, that is the current understanding, but you should connect with your program official to confirm and enforce that—every mechanism is different.
- How are we compensating clinical research participants who are now joining remotely? Greenphire is still the mechanism to use. New patients can be set up for Greenphire payments: contact Stephanie Mullins. Financial Affairs has clarified that there were some rejections of payment requests in the first few days of the Limited Business Operations but no other issues have occurred since some clarification on procedures has taken place.
- For COVID studies within UAB, are there guidelines in place? Guidelines for the processes behind working with COVID-19 patients are coming along quickly!
- Can you recruit remotely? Yes, as long as it doesn’t involve in-person contact and as long as future study visits can likewise be performed remotely.
- Advice for amending clinicaltrials.gov information? Work with the sponsor, and if it is a multi-site study include the other site(s), then communicate changes with patients and finally work on the changes needed on clinicaltrials.gov. Need help? Reach out to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - How is essential vs. non-essential determined? Essential is anchored in honoring the best interest of the patients’ safety. Investigators work with leadership to determine this status.
- What if we go on lockdown? Or something changes? Those issues will be worked through according to what is safest for patients. Creative solutions may be considered; we will work together.
- Given everything going on, how do we maintain a research seat at the table? We have every opportunity to take the data and resources we have to make observations that will improve and increase knowledge surrounding COVID-19 biology, risk factors and opportunities.
- What is UAB policy on paying personnel who's services are no longer able to be applied to their work such as clinical trials coordinators and nurses enrolling patients in studies and registries? Melinda Cotten explained that she and Stephanie Mullins are drafting an institutional position statement to align with the federal government’s recently released 0MB M-20-17, "Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations," to provide agencies with additional flexibilities for grants assisting the response to COVID-19. The position statement will address that extramurally funded salaries and fringe may continue to be charged to grants and contracts (all sources unless specifically barred by a sponsor) under unexpected or extraordinary circumstances.
Click to access slides and video from the Forum. This important discussion will continue; similar virtual gatherings will be available in the coming days, and listed on the Upcoming Events page.
"The CCTS Forum provided a nice overview and clarification of essential, ongoing processes and projects around campus in light of the current limited business model. More importantly, it was reassuring to see leadership coming together to collaborate on addressing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic."
– Zachary D. Wallen, Graduate Trainee in the Graduate Biomedical Sciences Program, UAB
![Family working from home](/ccts/images/iStock-1177154683.jpg)
If this is you, check out this list of some of the best resources from across the internet to help you start the week with a plan for tackling some of the challenges you might be facing during this time.
- Walking meetings, snail mail, virtual book clubs and more! Our friends at Edge for Scholars have compiled tips for getting relief from social distancing.
- If you’re feeling like your productivity has hit all-time lows, here’s some practical advice on how to maximize your time spent working from home.
- For those with kids at home, this article from CNN has some practical tips for how to work from home with kids (without losing it).
- You or your loved ones struggling with anxiety? You’re not alone. The CDC has the perfect resource for understanding and addressing anxiety related to the Covid-19 outbreak. Another great source of support is this site dedicated to virus anxiety.
- Get your body moving to combat cabin fever with apps like FitOn (free) and Peloton (free for 90 days). Consider including your kids in your exercise plans. GoNoodle is great for those already scaling the walls in boredom!
- For those who enjoy a project or learning a new skill, Adobe Creative Cloud is offering users 2 free months of its products (UAB students and employees can already access this product at no cost here) and Brit + Co is offering free classes ranging from watercolor painting, photography for bloggers, cake decorating, money management, and everything in between through the end of the month with the code SELFCARE.
- Figuring out how to homeschool during this time? Check out this article on how to homeschool during the coronavirus crisis with free resources.
- For those worried about their research lagging behind, Science has 10 ways for researchers to spend their time while away from their labs.
- And finally, don’t forget to stay connected with the CCTS through virtual learning opportunities that will continue to be offered throughout this period like BERD consultations, Case Studies in Mentoring, and more, as well as online resources like our Grant Library and the CCTS Video Channel with past events and learning opportunities.
We will continue to be here for you while we navigate this unique time.
At the 2019 Community Health Innovation Awards (CHIA), Jared Sluss and his non-profit organization Link and Lease/Druid Hills Alliance took home an $11,000 award to further the mission of turning abandoned properties and vacant lots in the Birmingham Druid Hills neighborhood into affordable and sustainable home ownership for community members. CHIA is an annual grant competition that encourages 501 (c) (3) organizations to think boldly and creatively about solutions to “on the ground” health challenges our communities face.
Link and Lease began as a way to connect individuals graduating from outreach programs to vacant properties, allowing an opportunity to avoid housing insecurity upon leaving those programs. According to the American Public Health Association, individuals experiencing homelessness have high rates of chronic mental and physical health conditions, co-occurring disorders, and barriers to health care and affordable housing. Sluss is tackling those barriers head-on and working to create sustainable solutions that have the potential to change lives.
Link and Lease has since evolved into the Druid Hills Alliance, focused on purchasing dilapidated structures and vacant lots in the Druid Hills neighborhood, and through partnerships with residents, investors, and local businesses, creating home ownership opportunities for community members. Sluss is using half of his CHIA award funds to renovate properties in fiscally sustainable ways, and the other half to purchase vacant lots and sell them to investors and other nonprofits focused on the same mission of getting more individuals into homes and revitalizing the community. His model may be something other neighborhoods across the region could imitate.Sluss receiving CHIA award with Druid Hills Neighborhood Association President Ed Eaton, and Vice President, Amie Evans.The housing challenges Sluss is focused on are now personal as well. The 2018 UAB graduate purchased and has been renovating his own property in the community over the last few months and has been learning much about the cost-prohibitive road blocks, like city codes and lengthy waiting periods, that are involved in turning abandoned structures into livable homes. He attends Druid Hills neighborhood meetings in order to get to know the community’s needs and has been able to use his knowledge and experience to better serve his neighbors, while also building trust and credibility with residents who have become partners in his efforts.
When asked what the CHIA Award means to him, Sluss said, “Knowing the impact it could have directly on the neighborhood, for multiple individuals to have their lives changed in a concrete way… if you can get somebody in a house for $70-80k with a monthly mortgage payment below $400, and that home be worth twice that in five years, you can start to create generational wealth. The realization of what the money could do long-term to really impact peoples’ lives and change their stories got me, as well as the neighborhood President and Vice President who attended the awards with me, incredibly excited.”