ARMA Research Directors Forum Virtual Roundtable on Lockdown Exit Strategies and Re-starting Research

3 June 2020

This is a briefing note summarising key points discussed in the webchat on Lockdown Exit Strategies and Re-starting Research attended by members of the ARMA Research Directors Forum.

For details of how to join the ARMA Research Directors Forum, email enquiries@arma.ac.uk.

Key Highlights

Are some researchers back on Campus?

Some institutions have re-opened to non-COVID researchers, but only recently. Much H&S work going on to prepare buildings. Researchers anxious to get back in the lab, complete papers etc.

Social distancing measures include forming A & B teams, with only one team allowed on site at a time.  Working well where there is strong relationship between Estates and Research Office teams.

How are colleagues prioritising access?

Funded projects, REF performers and final-year PhDs getting preferential access in some universities, while some are pushing to make more space available for students. Potential tension here, concern that research activity may dip at start of autumn term.  Some PhDs feeling disenfranchised.

Focus for many institutions is on reopening science buildings.

Occupancy level was discussed, with a view that 10-15% occupancy was feasible.

Is England ahead of the devolved administrations?

Not necessarily as some variance within England.

Scotland is slightly further behind, perhaps due to Scottish Govt advice which is more cautious. This presents some challenges for collaborative research with English institutions.

Engaging with funders

Institutions tend to be engaging with funders on a case by case basis, using varying criteria, including: size of project, whether commercial funders involved, amount of time left to run, strategic importance.

Issues to consider include project redesign, ethical re-approval.

Case for funded extensions being explored with Universities Scotland

Business Continuity Plans – did they work?

Generally BCPs delivered well, despite not being designed for a global pandemic!

Challenge not so much moving people out of the universities, but rather moving them back!

Effect on Research Office

Generally, no reduction in workload, either in terms of bids or events held, with some reporting increased activity.

Directors giving serious consideration to what their offices will look like on their return. Some exploring blend of WFH and campus-based.  Previously culture of presenteeism, now scotched by proof that ROs can work very well from home.

Directors are finding that it takes more time to lead a remote office and more challenging to communicate. More time required to reassure anxious staff. More meetings! Hints and tips on how to cope most welcome! Suggestions of shorter, more frequent meetings, weekly leadership meetings need to come hand in glove with fewer emails!

PGRs

Existing students might require extensions if they have lost their research – supervisors being asked to assess. Some indication that student satisfaction may have improved as a consequence of better online provision, more accessibility for p/t students etc, better contact with tutors. Students being asked to complete their research remotely if they can. Depends on topic and discipline.

General view that existing students will return in the autumn – September. For some, new intakes may have to do their induction and literature review from home/ off campus, starting back in the New Year. Some starting new PGRs now where strong level of remote supervision in place.

Some institutions offering financial support packages for students, causing considerable financial pressure. Hardship funds likely to be heavily drawn on.

ECRs

General view that ECRs should weather the storm. Promotion process likely to factor in COVID.

Equality Impact

Some universities are looking into this, although no published work available.

Question for the wider Forum: has anyone considered H&S guidelines for UK fieldwork (eg for psychologists carrying out observational fieldwork?)

Future topics for Virtual Round Tables welcomed! Email to enquiries@arma.ac.uk