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COVID-19 and the academy: opinions and experiences of university-based scientists in the U.S

Author

Listed:
  • Timothy P. Johnson

    (University of Illinois at Chicago)

  • Mary K. Feeney

    (Arizona State University)

  • Heyjie Jung

    (Arizona State University)

  • Ashlee Frandell

    (Arizona State University)

  • Mattia Caldarulo

    (Arizona State University)

  • Lesley Michalegko

    (Arizona State University)

  • Shaika Islam

    (Arizona State University)

  • Eric W. Welch

    (Arizona State University)

Abstract

Much of the available evidence regarding COVID-19 effects on the scientific community in the U.S. is anecdotal and non-representative. We report findings from a based survey of university-based biologists, biochemists, and civil and environmental engineers regarding negative and positive COVID-19 impacts, respondent contributions to addressing the pandemic, and their opinions regarding COVID-19 research policies. The most common negative impact was university closures, cited by 93% of all scientists. Significant subgroup differences emerged, with higher proportions of women, assistant professors, and scientists at institutions located in COVID-19 “hotspot” counties reporting difficulties concentrating on research. Assistant professors additionally reported facing more unanticipated childcare responsibilities. Approximately half of the sample also reported one or more positive COVID-19 impacts, suggesting the importance of developing a better understanding of the complete range of impacts across all fields of science. Regarding COVID-19 relevant public policy, findings suggest divergence of opinion concerning surveillance technologies and the need to alter federal approval processes for new tests and vaccines.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy P. Johnson & Mary K. Feeney & Heyjie Jung & Ashlee Frandell & Mattia Caldarulo & Lesley Michalegko & Shaika Islam & Eric W. Welch, 2021. "COVID-19 and the academy: opinions and experiences of university-based scientists in the U.S," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:8:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-021-00823-9
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00823-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kyle R. Myers & Wei Yang Tham & Yian Yin & Nina Cohodes & Jerry G. Thursby & Marie C. Thursby & Peter Schiffer & Joseph T. Walsh & Karim R. Lakhani & Dashun Wang, 2020. "Unequal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientists," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(9), pages 880-883, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mary K. Feeney & Heyjie Jung & Timothy P. Johnson & Eric W. Welch, 2023. "U.S. Visa and Immigration Policy Challenges: Explanations for Faculty Perceptions and Intent to Leave," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 64(7), pages 1031-1057, November.
    2. Jamie Beverstock & Martyn Pickersgill, 2022. "Producing knowledge in a pandemic: Accounts from UK-based postdoctoral biomedical scientists of undertaking research during the COVID-19 pandemic," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Angela Cristiana Palazzo & Matteo Bertelli & Jacopo Gaspari, 2024. "A Systemic Review on the Adoption of Service Design Practices to Improve the Quality of User Experience and Organization in the Healthcare Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-20, June.

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