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Coronavirus developments at a glance: 31 October to 6 November

This week’s coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic from Research Professional News

In depth: A Research Professional News Covid-19 survey shows publications down and funding fears up as staff worry about the future.

Full story: Covid-19 survey: The pandemic’s impact on R&D 


 

UK
Academics have welcomed what many see as an overdue second national lockdown for England, and said they are well prepared to continue with research during the next round of restrictions.

Universities minister Michelle Donelan has told universities to keep offering in-person teaching throughout the current lockdown in England, as scientists warn the issue “has become divisive”.

The UK business secretary has promised a “more strategic approach to supporting research and innovation” to address inequalities in the wake of the coronavirus crisis

The director of the Wellcome Trust has called for “urgent investment” in vaccines, tests and treatments to bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control.

Europe
The European Commission has now signed grant agreements totalling €128 million for research to address the “pressing needs and the socio-economic impact” of the pandemic, it announced on 5 November.

New restrictions being imposed on research institutions across Europe in response to Covid-19 renew the risk of career damage for researchers, the chair of the Coimbra Group of universities has warned.

Leaders at Oslo Metropolitan University have caved in to demands from staff arguing that they should be paid overtime for work triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Two MEPs have lent their support to researchers petitioning for paid extensions to EU research projects affected by Covid-19, calling on the European Commission to find the necessary funding.

Australia
The pandemic has sparked a digital revolution in Australian education, but concerns are growing that not all universities are ready for the shift to online courses.

New Zealand
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has appointed a minister for Covid-19 in a major cabinet reshuffle following the Labour Party’s sweeping win in the New Zealand election on 17 October.

Africa
A network of Africa’s top research universities will establish research hubs focused on vaccine development.

Worldwide
The global pandemic has created widespread concern about future funding, according to an international survey of more than 25,000 researchers.