This communication is to provide guidance on the eligibility of COVID-19 related research expenses. The following types of expenses will be deemed eligible on Tri-Agency grants (NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR), as well as on Special Research Projects (both externally and internally funded):
- Costs associated with research related travel during the pandemic (e.g. research field work, research networking, research conference travel, etc.)
- Quarantine costs related to research travel, including accommodation and meal expenses (e.g. if tested positive for COVID-19 and required to quarantine outside of one’s city of residence)
- COVID-19 test kits if required for faculty, staff or trainees who are traveling for research purposes, or if required to do research on campus (e.g. lab work, etc.).
- Face masks required when conducting research
Important: Expenses must be supported by a justification explaining the link to research, which is required for audit purposes.
Other types of COVID-19 related expenses will be assessed on a case by case basis by Research Accounting.
For all other research project types not listed above, the eligibility of COVID-19 related expenses will depend on the related funder’s spending guidelines.
If you have any questions about a COVID-19 related research expense, please direct your inquiries to Research Accounting at research.accounting@queensu.ca.