Environment submissions database

UWS Financial Statements 2020 have recognised that COVID-19 has significant potential consequences for UWS. The initial financial impact of COVID-19 in May 2020 was assessed as a reduction in anticipated income for 2020-21 by GBP11,700,000. To ensure a robust, collective response across UWS to COVID-19 and to build back better, the Creating Strength from Adversity project was created. The project was split into nine independent but related Workstreams led by an identified executive lead, overseen by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and reporting to the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Group. Workstream 9 (Research) was one of them, led by Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation & Engagement to assess the potential impact and focus our responses to ensure research continuity, wherever possible and appropriate, beyond the funded and no-funding extensions offered by the major funding bodies (e.g., UKRI). In addition, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) provided support (UWS received GBP750,000) to prevent loss of talent due to the pandemic, support research affected by COVID-19 and help Postgraduate Research Students (PGRS). Due to early preparations, we did not need to utilise any other Government support mechanisms. Similarly to the rest of the sector, UWS has risen to the challenge of the global pandemic. Throughout the past year, we have continued our emphasis on tackling research, including responding to a global necessity to support contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic including the use of research facilities for testing; the production of PPE, and funded research projects in safety, wellbeing and physiology. This included our technical support staff and 1,200 UWS nursing, midwifery and applied biomedical science students - many from our PGRS cohorts - who joined the frontline fight to tackle coronavirus, and UWS’ support for developing the NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital - recognised by the Royal Family on social media. Following the call by Scotland’s Chief Scientist Office (CSO), Workstream 9 has mobilised research capabilities and since March 2020 we have seen the agility of UWS researchers, working in response to the crisis created by the pandemic. UWS has been awarded over GBP900,000 funding for projects spanning practical applications including efficacy of face mask designs to research dealing with health and mental health to support people living in lockdown and post lockdown. The projects involve research scientists, engineers and social scientists, offering a combination of support to industry partners and responses to COVID-19- funding calls. The awards are from 15 funders (including: CSO, ESRC, British Academy, among others). 11 of the projects are research grants and 8 are consultancy projects. One of the main challenges during the pandemic was associated with the REF2021 submission but thankfully the deadline has been deferred, which has enabled us to finalise our submission without delays. However, the pandemic is far from over and UWS has been rapidly preparing for the post-pandemic world. Working jointly with stakeholders within our regional partnerships, we are building a unique Economic Recovery Portal to complement government-provided business support tools and mechanisms and the Student Innovation Hub to significantly boost student start-up opportunities.