The latest coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic from Research Professional News
UK
The vast majority of universities had to put planned innovation projects on hold during the first national lockdown, a new survey of UK institutions has found.
Three research institutions in receipt of charitable funding have been awarded £10 million to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on their finances.
The Francis Crick Institute has teamed up with University College London Hospitals to create a large-scale Covid-19 vaccination centre at its premises.
EU
The European Commission has warned that companies contracted to deliver Covid-19 vaccines to the EU must meet their obligations, after two reportedly said they would have to delay deliveries. But The chief executive of the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has said the reason why the company has been able to provide its Covid-19 vaccine to the UK more smoothly than to the EU is a result of the sign-off dates and the different terms of the company’s contracts with both.
Smaller private universities in Germany have been struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the findings of science funders’ association Stifterverband.
French universities shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic could reopen to all students and staff this semester, but with time-restricted access to campus.
New Zealand
Health research in New Zealand has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, a study from the University of Otago has found.
Australia
Australia’s education minister Alan Tudge (pictured) has hinted that it may not be possible for international students to return to Australia in large numbers this year as the global Covid-19 crisis continues.
Africa
Slightly more than two-thirds of South Africans have told a survey they would take a Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available.