This outbreak of COVID-19 is a very difficult time for scientific research. A lot of experiments are being interrupted and put on pause, and conference travels are essentially not possible. In this episode, Ladan discusses what steps are being taken by government grant-funding agencies to assist researchers during this time.

Top three takeaways:

1. Grant-funding agencies such as the NIH and NSF are extending deadlines for grants and experiments, and late applications are being accepted without the need for pre-approval.
2. NIH grant money can be used to cover fees incurred from interrupted travel, as well as changing any protocols as necessary.
3. The safety and health of researchers and research participants alike is the number one priority during this time.

[0:00] Ladan introduces the episode

[1:30] The NIH and the NSF will extend the deadline for many grants and experiments during this time

[3:45] Dr. Mike Lauer from the NIH explains the implications of this pandemic on scientific research and the way the NIH will be cooperating with researchers during this time

[5:30] The NIH has put out a guide notice stating that late applications will not need pre-approval

[8:00] Hotel and airline refund fees, as well as any other fees incurred due to interrupted travel, can be charged to NIH grants

[9:45] There will be opportunities to apply for administrative supplements to cover costs incurred due to changing protocols and venues

[11:00] This is a very difficult time, but also a time of compassion

Info on how NIH is responding to the outbreak: https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus

Message from Dr. Mike Lauer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLmBi5wvifk&feature=youtu.be

Info on how NSF is responding to the outbreak: https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/coronavirus/

Producer's log: I wrote these notes while in quarantine. Ladan locked me up in a tiny room and I don't know why. He said it was for my own good, and that he'll let me out "once the storm passes". I haven't been outside in over 2 weeks. I miss the world. I miss the laughter. I miss the sunshine. Someone please help me.

Producer's log update: OK I'm just kidding, I'm not really locked in a little room. But I do miss socializing with people, I'm starting to get very lonely.