The Department of Research Safety is committed to supporting the education and training of fledgling scientists by stewardship of the Safety of Minors in Research Laboratories Program. The University of Kentucky (UK) hosts a robust and ever-expanding scientific research program with hundreds of laboratories that store and/or utilize an array of hazardous materials as part of their work. The Safety of Minors in Research Laboratories Program and its policy allow for the performance of hazard identification and risk assessment by Research Safety staff for a wide variety of projects minor students actively conduct or observe with mentorship and guidance of university researchers. Completion of this program’s requirements is crucial in ensuring that standard operating procedures, appropriate safety practices, and online training are documented and in place before minor students can begin work in these spaces.
Timely approval for submitted applications for this program requires the cooperation of the minor student (and student’s guardian), the administrative official(s) of the sponsored program (i.e., school internship coordinator), the Principal Investigator or Laboratory Supervisor of the project’s laboratory or location, and the Department of Research Safety.
