Ratish Chandra Gupta
In the last few months, all facets of society have had to adapt to evolving circumstances owing to the ongoing pandemic. And COVID-19’s effects on academia and social science research have been just as severe as in other sectors and professional areas. Protecting and strengthening research in the midst of COVID-19 will require thoughtful and concerted efforts on the part of governments, funders, universities, and academic communities to collaboratively develop, implement, and fund long-term plans that elevate the voices of students and researchers in national policy decisions. Sustainable research systems are vital, not just to the success of pandemic responses but also to the health of all societies the world over. Academia finds itself at a juncture with endless possibilities and potential innovations.