Environment submissions database

Following the announcement of the nationwide lockdown on the 23rd of March 2020, our priority was to keep everyone within the University community safe. Our campuses were emptied of staff and students, all face-to-face teaching and assessments moved online. PGR student support continued using existing mechanisms: utilising our PGR-MIS to record meeting outcomes. Access to collaboration platforms was enhanced to further support PGR activity. Professional services implemented ‘working from home’ arrangements and all non-Covid related on-campus research activity was paused. The movement to online provision directly impacted academic staff; pausing on-campus research predominantly impacting lab-based activities. Many academics (using key resources and facilities) pivoted their usual activities to concentrate on COVID-19 related research or supporting the effort in dealing with the pandemic: >Microbiologists in collaboration with the NHS, Public Health Wales and local Industry developed a Covid-19 test, to quickly detect whether people are actively infected with the underlying SARS-CoV-2 virus. >Engineering researchers developed innovative devices to address a Welsh Government innovation request; a blood oxygen monitor and a wrist worn thermometer were both developed rapidly with industry partners. >Engineers produced specialist PPE for keyworkers, approximately 1,000 visors were produced per week on 3D printers and a team of chemists made hand sanitiser, which was bottled and distributed locally. >Criminology researchers helped establish a Europe-wide network to share best practice on policing during the Coronavirus crisis All externally funded projects greater than £100k were closely monitored for any impacts or delays in line with funder rules. Researchers responded to calls from the NHS and Welsh Government to address specific clinical and technical challenges of the pandemic. USW reached out to local businesses to secure Welsh Government COVID RD&I funding and develop solutions to the problems created by COVID. We offered academic expertise, R&D facilities and, created several rapid innovation projects to help with the COVID response. USW also registered with public policy teams in the Welsh and UK Government to address calls for research expertise and assistance. In some instances, engagement with collaborators were impacted by contacts participating in the job retention scheme. Initially, business collaboration and public engagement activities were severely affected by the pandemic: the initial impact of this has been felt through our REF submission as case studies have not been able to complete their planned activities. PGR students were advised to continue their research remotely where possible. Those who were unable to continue with their research were advised to discuss alternative plans, and whether a revision to their research proposal might be required, particularly for those who intended to use in-person data collection. During the summer, the University developed an application process for resuming on-campus research activity, for both staff and PGR students. Applications were considered on a case-by-case basis using a consistently applied priority framework and the University monitors and reviews the restrictions it has put in place around research based on the prevailing principles of protect participants, researchers, and the University in accordance with the laws and guidance set out by the Welsh Government.