Impact of COVID‐19 on health research in New Zealand: a case study of a research‐intensive campus

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to outline the impact Coronavirus disease (COVID)‐19 has had on health research in New Zealand. We used data from the University of Otago, Christchurch, a research intensive satellite campus of the University of Otago with a large number of research only grant funded staff to highlight challenges and opportunities. All non‐COVID‐19 related laboratory and clinical research was suspended under New Zealand COVID‐19 alert level 4 and the majority under level 3. To date, researchers predict that 95% of research projects have been affected. During the periods of lockdown research salaries continued to be paid from grants resulting in a ‘salary gap’ to support research staff (both academic and technical). Most funders have indicated there will be no additional funding to support researchers affected by the delays. Early and mid‐career researchers have been particularly affected and are currently unable to travel for post‐doctoral training and networking. A more robust career structure with adequate funding, particularly for early and mid‐career researchers is required to ensure that New Zealand has a stable research work force to address the next health crisis.