Environment submissions database

The measures introduced to combat the pandemic inevitably impacted upon the University’s research environment and its researchers. This annex outlines how the University sought to mitigate these impacts. Operations After the announcement of the first lockdown in March 2020, campus research facilities were closed. Technicians maintained the laboratories, some of which were utilised to produce hand sanitizer requested by PHE. The animal unit remained open throughout ensuring welfare needs were met. A risk analysis of research facilities was conducted during the summer enabling the introduction of a priority access COVID safe system for both staff and student researchers in September. The Life Science laboratories reopened first, followed by the Physics, Engineering, Computer Science and Creative Arts facilities. Health research was largely conducted using online methods – where this was not possible, participants were seen in secure settings at suitably spaced intervals. No other forms of face to face research, or international travel for research purposes, are permitted. These procedures continue to operate under the oversight of the University’s Head of Health, Safety and Sustainability. The University’s secure off-campus toxicology research facility has remained open throughout the pandemic, enabling the newly constructed environmental chamber to be used for aerosol droplet experimentation to evaluate the functioning of COVID PPE and protocols for its deployment. People A monthly virtual open meeting between the PVC(R&E) and all research staff was instituted. This provides a forum for 360o information exchange, during which policies are explained and concerns raised using a Q and A format. Attendance usually surpasses 60% of staff with significant responsibility for research. The Researcher Development Programme of training sessions for staff and students has moved online. The annual promotions round was held as usual with senior management leading information sessions online, including ones specifically addressing women and BAME researchers. Wellbeing sessions and programmes were devised and delivered to support all University staff. All Research Student supervisions are conducted virtually, as are registration and external review meetings. Final submissions may be made electronically, and examinations are conducted online. Doctoral awards remained stable for 2019/20, while enrolments have increased by 7% over the course of 2020. A Pulse survey conducted among PGR students in May 2020, with a 32% response rate, reported 97% satisfaction with supervision arrangements and 92% with the Doctoral College’s guidance and support. Impacts There was a 4% reduction in research income in 2019/20 from 2018/19. The commissioning of the LIDAR laboratory has been delayed. Income rose by 10% in the first half of 2020/21 as research re-commenced. Applications for research grants fell by 20% between March and May 2020 in comparison to previous years but have returned to normal levels thereafter. The proportion of total grant applications submitted by women PIs increased from 32% to 40% between March and July 2020. The development of three Impact Case Studies was adversely affected by the pandemic. Research support operations, including REF preparations, were successfully transferred online, but experienced some loss of capacity due to caring and home-schooling responsibilities.