This week’s coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic from Research Professional News
United States
Senate Republicans have unveiled plans for a $1 trillion Covid-19 relief package including boosts for the National Institutes of Health, higher education and the development of vaccines, tests and treatments. But Democrats, whose own relief proposal has gathered dust since May, have criticised the package, meaning that any attempt to reach a consensus may be scuppered.
UK
A study by the consultancy Hatch Regeneris on behalf of the University and College Union has revealed the extent of employment provided directly and indirectly by universities across the UK—jobs now at risk as universities face budget cuts. The Office for Students has set out plans to cut red tape for universities, with less regulatory burden for providers that “do not pose specific increased risk” in the wake of Covid-19.
The government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies is to help establish a team of coronavirus advisers for the Department for Education, following concerns over students causing a Covid-19 spike by travelling to campuses in September. And plans to get students back to university for the next academic year are coming under increasing scrutiny as concerns mount over a potential major spike in coronavirus cases in the UK.
The British Heart Foundation is consulting with staff on further reducing costs as a result of the coronavirus crisis, as it warns 300 roles could be lost. Welsh universities are set to receive less funding than anticipated in the coming academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales has announced.
Europe
Research into Covid-19 is failing to properly account for differences in how the disease hits different sexes, according to an EU expert on the issue.
Australia
Staff and students have been banned from university campuses amid a lockdown imposed in Victoria this week that includes a curfew in Melbourne from 8pm to 5am.
More than 1,000 academics from 36 Australian institutions have signed a letter that warns of a crisis faced by universities and calls for government reforms to the higher education system to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
Africa
A number of political heavyweights joined forces last week to call on African countries to invest in their R&D capacity in order to fight the coronavirus pandemic and other future health threats.
Worldwide
Researchers concerned about the unequal impacts of Covid-19 on academic careers have started a social media campaign to give a voice to those hit hardest, and seek extra support from those least affected.