Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on university-based research conduct and training: Exploring university-based researchers’ perspectives and experiences

Abstract

Background: The academic environment is critical for advancing knowledge through research and training of students who will serve as researchers, advocates, and leaders in the future, yet there is limited data on how the higher institution-based research enterprise is being impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The current study examines the perceived and expected impact of COVID-19 on engaging in a higher education institution setting, particularly focusing on student engagement in research and conduct of human subject research (HSR). Method: The authors collected an online survey with faculty and staff in a large US university system focused on education, research, and service (6/8/2020-7/10/2020; N=709). The authors performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models to examine the differences in research impact by HSR. Results: The majority of survey respondents (i.e., faculty and staff from a large US university system) perceived and expected at least some impact of COVID-19 on research and reported the impact to be negative. Researchers reported increased challenges in recruiting students for research activities and providing research-related learning opportunities for students. While COVID-19 impacted both HSR and non-HSR, HSR investigators have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Conclusions: Efforts are needed to further understand and overcome research challenges so that the university-based research environment can flourish for all researchers across disciplines and overcome the potentially lost learning opportunities for students. Lessons learned will help address future challenges to academic research activities and providing student research training.