UK Covid-19 job cuts, Swedish research priority concerns, and more
UK
Some of the scientists who are advising governments on the Covid-19 pandemic at Imperial College London have warned the institution against plans to cut its staff numbers.
Universities should brace themselves for a minimum shortfall of almost £500 million next year, in an optimistic scenario, as international students choose to stay at home, the British Council has warned.
Scientists have cautiously welcomed the publication of minutes from the first 34 Covid-19 meetings of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, following weeks of criticisms over the group’s secrecy.
Dozens of scientists have issued two desperate pleas to government to prevent a second wave of coronavirus in the UK and the government has released guidance for research organisations on the coronavirus job retention scheme.
Europe
Ole Petter Ottersen, rector of Swedish medical research organisation Karolinska Institutet, has urged the EU not to neglect funding for the European Research Council in favour of work on the coronavirus.
Australia
Asian economies will be vital to a global economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and Australia must work with its neighbours to avoid a devastating long-term economic crisis, an Australian National University report has said.