The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Research

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated the worst global recession in decades. Academic institutions inevitably have been affected through cuts to funding. The charity sector, a significant source of research funding, has particularly suffered from loss of income. National lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented by laboratories have had a detrimental impact on laboratory research, with researchers being forced to temporarily abandon biological experiments. The worldwide research community has responded strongly and decisively through a shift to basic and clinical research into COVID-19. This has resulted in the swift elucidation of the transmission, pathogenesis and treatment of COVID-19. The rapid development of effective vaccines against COVID-19 is a testament to the international research community, however it is imperative that double-blinded randomised controlled trials are continued. Despite the success of COVID-19 research, it is important to note that there has been significant substandard, poor quality research published without peer-review, which has subsequently proven to be false with larger randomised studies. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 has worsened gender inequality within academia. The long-lasting effects of the pandemic on the international research landscape will be of great importance.