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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.

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