Environment submissions database

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the University. On-site research was halted in March 2020 and clinical staff increased their time commitment to the NHS. Many of our research projects were stopped, particularly those requiring laboratory access, equipment, materials, sources or access to participants/patients. Consequently, many projects have been at significant risk of delay, financial and operational disruption. Nevertheless, we demonstrated our agility in pivoting relevant research activities to target the pandemic, providing data insights into infection spread to the Welsh government, establishing mental health support for frontline workers and producing hand sanitiser when supplies were low. In response to the pandemic, the University established a Research & Innovation Covid-19 Recovery Planning Group with cross-University representation including Directors of Research, Dean of PGR and the Students' Union to plan the safe return to on-campus research. As a community, the critical criteria for the phased return to campus including fieldwork was agreed. Where required, an application processes was developed to determine the order in which critical research should return. This was achieved with guidance from Human Resources, Health and Safety, PGR Office, Students Union and the Trade Unions to achieve a reasonable and equitable process. We also included specific prioritisation for PGR students, particularly those nearing completion so they had the necessary access to campus facilities as well as working with funders to secure funded extension. Staff and student wellbeing concerns were at the forefront of decision-making. Equality and diversity considerations were sewn into planning discussions highlighting for example the impact of working from home on female researchers or carers and how Colleges and Schools were to consider this in their application processes as well as in Professional Development Reviews. A comparison of grants submitted during the pandemic compared to the same period in 2019, has not revealed any disparity by gender or career stage, confirming the effectiveness of our approach. Recruitment of staff and PGR students continued without pause. Our campuses began to reopen from July 2020 in a series of phases but the disruption to “normal” working practices is still ongoing and will likely be felt for years. We are proud of the way our University community has utilised its expertise and resources to support the region during the pandemic and where appropriate details will be given at unit level.