Environment submissions database

RESEARCH LSTM suspended projects as a response to the pandemic and some research teams redeployed activities (with permission from funders) to address COVID19. For example. Working with the non-profit organization FIND to develop novel COVID19 diagnostics and assess them in both the UK and LMICs. Conducting clinical trials on candidate agents for the treatment of COVID-19 within the AGILE clinical trial platform in collaboration with the University of Liverpool (UoL). Assessing whether malaria or antimalarial drugs affect COVID-19 disease progression (in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, National Center for Research and Training for Malaria, Burkina Faso, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute). Participating in trials of COVID-19 vaccines in collaboration with University of Oxford. STAFF LSTM provided a central resource for staff (furloughed and working) that signposted support, including access to newly trained Mental Health Champions, and provided a confidential point of contact for those in need, including on-line social events. The Return to Work Policy (and associated Equality Impact Assessment) included a comprehensive Risk Assessment tool for people returning to the workplace. This tool was developed in collaboration with a group of BAME General Practitioners and was one of the first to be developed within HEIs; it was shared widely with other HEIs. LSTM participated in the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme and topped up pay to ensure that staff received their normal income In response to disparate challenges faced by staff LSTM instigated the following: An extension of three months for everyone in the Career Track scheme, with further extensions offered on a case by case basis. Establishment of a ‘COVID Mitigating Circumstances’ form to allow people to record impacts on research performance. Formal processes to consider COVID impact on appointment, promotion and pay review. The time LSTM employed doctors and nurses have available for research has been impacted by their NHS duties both in hours worked and the intensity of such activities. STUDENTS Research activities of postgraduate research students have been impacted (e.g. inability to access laboratory facilities or undertake international travel for field work) but many have also been affected by increased caring responsibilities, and concerns about health and wellbeing. Students were encouraged to complete COVID surveys and were subsequently contacted with bespoke advice and support (both project-related and personal). Research projects have been modified wherever possible to take account of changed circumstances. Some students volunteered on COVID projects, providing valuable laboratory experience. Students in later stages have found it difficult to adjust projects. Eligible students have been granted UKRI funded extensions. LSTM continue to assist students that are not able to access additional contingency funding via financial sponsors or otherwise by supporting project modifications, embedding additional supervisory support, and offering no-cost extensions, transfers of registration, and fee waivers where appropriate. INCOME LSTM estimates that COVID will reduce research income for the 2019/20 financial year by 6% (based on pre-COVID forecasts), largely driven by reduction in overseas activities.