Environment submissions database

Effect of C19 on research, impact and business engagement During the first lockdown only experimental work deemed critical, or that was targeted at resolving aspects of the C19 pandemic, was able to continue. The situation affected all staff and PGRs, both in terms of working practices and whether they had access to buildings and the equipment necessary to undertake their research or engage in impact stemming from it. Resumption was mediated through a phased return in June/July 2020 but field-based research, or that which required engagement with human participants, was delayed until the autumn. Overseas research activities, particularly involving travel, continue to be substantially restricted. The University used over £500K of its own financial resources to extend the contracts of key staff and provide support for research projects that were evidenced to have been impacted by C19. This was deployed to supplement funding provided by UKRI. The effect on PGR students has been managed on a case-by-case basis with mitigation measures introduced including the major re-design of projects and methodologies. Over £150K of University monies has been targeted at extending the stipends of University Research students who were in their final year of study. The depth and reach of most Impact Case Studies (ICS) had largely been achieved prior to March 2020, however, there are instances where the delivery of impact has been clearly attenuated. For instance, evidence to support an ICS in UoA27 was scheduled to rely significantly on a series of events both in the UK and USA that were due to take place to commemorate the 400 anniversary of the Mayflower setting sail for America in 1620. These were cancelled and whilst they will take place in the summer of 2021 the capture of impact has inevitably been diminished for this REF cycle. Researchers at the University moved quickly to respond to local and national needs as the pandemic evolved. Equipment was loaned to the Lighthouse testing centre in Northern Ireland and also to the local testing laboratory at the NHS Trust University Hospitals Plymouth. At the peak of the pandemic research staff from within UoA1 established a community of volunteers with PCR skills to support individuals based in the testing laboratory who were in need of training. Despite access challenges posed by C19 the University continues to provide support to the business community and, where practicable, opportunities to use our facilities and equipment remain available. We have responding directly to the pandemic through the production of bio-degradable PPE and the delivery of numerous webinars focused on innovation, diversification and business resilience. Inevitably the effects of the pandemic will be felt disproportionately by some members of staff. This will have an impact both on an individual’s research outputs and on the contribution of their work to UoAs of any future REF exercise. This imbalance maybe a consequence of a range of challenges including; health and wellbeing, home schooling, and caring responsibilities, and the University is exploring ways of mitigating these over the coming 12 months.