During the summer many students and people unaffiliated with Penn participate in research in University laboratories. To provide for their safety and to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, the University established the Policy on Undergraduate Students, High School Students and Non-affiliates Participating in Research in Penn Research Facilities. This Policy was last published in Almanac on April 19, 2016.

In summary: Principal Investigators are responsible for assuring that all students and non-affiliates working in their laboratories are appropriately trained and supervised and comply with the requirements of the Policy. Programs for high school students must comply with requirements described in the Vice Provost’s of University Life current year’s “Special Summer Programs Protocols.” A consent signature sheet must be submitted to the Principal Investigator/Sponsor with signatures from both the high school student and parents.

High school students and undergraduates must attend laboratory safety training offered by the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS). Students must register for a class. Check the EHRS website for training schedules or contact EHRS at (215) 898-4453 to schedule a program for a particular group. 

Proper attire (long pants, closed toed shoes, lab coat and safety glasses) must be worn when working the laboratory. 

Please contact EHRS ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-4453 for additional information.