When the pandemic hit, the Australian Council of Deans of Science quickly mobilised to understand Australian universities COVID-19 response, covered in the latest issue of Australian University Science.
University science research is a deep repository of knowledge and is uniquely positioned to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, through research across multiple disciplines and targeting many different problem areas.
As Professor John Shine notes in the introduction to the issue, university science in Australia is developing strong candidates for a vaccine with the support of the Centre for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and from global biotech giant CSL, established in Australia in 1916.
But the response goes far beyond vaccine research, with a number of cutting edge molecular biology research and environmental science pivoting into the COVID-19 problem.
In addition, Australian universities COVID-19 response included university science departments utilising their unique facilities and knowledge.
They manufactured hundreds of thousands of masks and other personal protective equipment, began research into mental health effects, modelled the spread of the virus, looked at the effects on specific groups including minorities and regions, and worked with the government and schools to provide resources and expertise.
This virus is not finished, nor is the research. There will be rapidly changing approaches to testing regimes, new drugs and new vaccines. There will also be ongoing impacts, challenges and setbacks.
As this latest issue of Australian University Science goes to show, as the virus continues to change our world, university science research will be at the frontline in helping us to understand, adapt and respond to this crisis.
– Heather Catchpole, Editor, Australian University Science & Head of Content, Refraction Media. @hcatchpole
About Australian University Science
Australian University Science is produced by STEM-specialist publisher, Refraction Media (publishers of ScienceMeetsBusiness.com.au), on behalf of the Australian Council of Deans of Science.
Australian University Science highlights the collaborative work of the science community in this third edition, and profiles the roles graduates play in industry.
To provide feedback or suggestions to the editors, subscribe to this publication or order additional copies, email info@refractionmedia.com.au.