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COVID-19 and the academy: opinions and experiences of university-based scientists in the U.S.

ABSTRACT: Much of the available evidence regarding COVID-19 effects on the scientific community in the U.S. is anecdotal and non-representative. We report findings from a based survey of university-based biologists, biochemists, and civil and environmental engineers regarding negative and positive COVID-19 impacts, respondent contributions to addressing the pandemic, and their opinions regarding COVID-19 research policies. The most common negative impact was university closures, cited by 93% of all scientists. Significant subgroup differences emerged, with higher proportions of women, assistant professors, and scientists at institutions located in COVID-19 "hotspot" counties reporting difficulties concentrating on research. Assistant professors additionally reported facing more unanticipated childcare responsibilities. Approximately half of the sample also reported one or more positive COVID-19 impacts, suggesting the importance of developing a better understanding of the complete range of impacts across all fields of science. Regarding COVID-19 relevant public policy, findings suggest divergence of opinion concerning surveillance technologies and the need to alter federal approval processes for new tests and vaccines.

SUBMITTER: Johnson TP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8593394 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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COVID-19 and the academy: opinions and experiences of university-based scientists in the U.S.

Johnson Timothy P TP Feeney Mary K MK Jung Heyjie H Frandell Ashlee A Caldarulo Mattia M Michalegko Lesley L Islam Shaika S Welch Eric W EW

Humanities & social sciences communications 20210617 1

Much of the available evidence regarding COVID-19 effects on the scientific community in the U.S. is anecdotal and non-representative. We report findings from a based survey of university-based biologists, biochemists, and civil and environmental engineers regarding negative and positive COVID-19 impacts, respondent contributions to addressing the pandemic, and their opinions regarding COVID-19 research policies. The most common negative impact was university closures, cited by 93% of all scient ...[more]

PMID: 34806031

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COVID-19 and the academy: opinions and experiences of university-based scientists in the U.S.

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COVID-19 and the academy: opinions and experiences of university-based scientists in the U.S.

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