1. Impact of COVID-19 on health research in New Zealand: a case study of a research-intensive campus.
- Author
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Stamp, Lisa K., Cameron, Vicky A., Woodfield, Tim B. F., Walker, Logan, Currie, Margaret, Templeton, Evie, Pilbrow, Anna P., Tabakakis, Kosta, Phillips, Elisabeth, and Lim, Khoon S.
- Subjects
COVID-19 ,PUBLIC health research ,RESEARCH grants - Abstract
The aim of this paper is to outline the impact Coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 has had on health research in New Zealand. We used data from the University of Otago, Christchurch, a research intensive satellite campus of the University of Otago with a large number of research only grant funded staff to highlight challenges and opportunities. All non-COVID-19 related laboratory and clinical research was suspended under New Zealand COVID-19 alert level 4 and the majority under level 3. To date, researchers predict that 95% of research projects have been affected. During the periods of lockdown research salaries continued to be paid from grants resulting in a 'salary gap' to support research staff (both academic and technical). Most funders have indicated there will be no additional funding to support researchers affected by the delays. Early and mid-career researchers have been particularly affected and are currently unable to travel for post-doctoral training and networking. A more robust career structure with adequate funding, particularly for early and mid-career researchers is required to ensure that New Zealand has a stable research work force to address the next health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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