Mutation rate of Covid19 virus is at least 50 per cent higher than previously thought
New study from the Milner Centre for Evolution shows the virus that causes Covid19 mutates almost once a week.
COVID-19 news
News, views, and initiatives from our researchers and campus community in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Research and initiatives
The community is responding to the coronavirus in numerous ways - from practical, direct assistance to those on the frontline including here in Bath, to advice and resources for those stuck at home in isolation. Here's a summary of activity so far.
UK public view COVID-19 as a threat because of lockdowns, new study suggests
Research published in Royal Society Open Science from Lorraine Whitmarsh finds that people have judged COVID risks by the magnitude of the policy response.
Mathematicians to help businesses recover after Covid
Bath's Institute for Mathematical Innovation is offering a series of free workshops to help aid post-pandemic economic recovery.
Handheld ‘lab on chip’ Covid test that gives results in 10 minutes in development at Bath
New smartphone-sized test device uses innovative ‘lab on chip’ technology for rapid, accurate results
Professor Christos Vasilakis gives boost to NHS Bristol Mass Vaccination Centre
Data collection and computer simulation help NHS managers improve the efficiency of Covid-19 vaccination process and prevent avoidable disruption.
University of Bath PPE effort concludes with more than 400k items donated to the NHS
Bath engineering staff create 200k pieces of PPE during six-month project
Expertise
Through our social media channels our researchers are reflecting on different aspects of the crisis from their different disciplines. Watch these short videos here and subscribe to our YouTube playlist to be updated when more are published online.
How have the pandemic and lockdown affected society?
Dr Kate Woodthorpe from our Centre for Death & Society looks back on a tumultuous year.
How schools are managing COVID-19 testing
Dr Andrew Preston, Milner Centre for Evolution, talks about the set-up in local schools to enable testing for pupils.
How might COVID shift our environmental behaviours?
Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, Director of the Centre for Climate Change & Social Transformations, reflects on the impact of the pandemic on the environment.
How do we transport and store a covid vaccine?
Dr Asel Sartbaeva talks about vaccine developments and the challenges of cold store.
How is covid mutating?
Professor Ed Feil from the Milner Centre for Evolution talks about the development of coronavirus and its potential mutations.
A long year - the impact of covid on our mental health in 2020
Bath clinical psychologist Dr Jo Daniels talks about the toll on mental health from covid uncertainties this year and ways to feel better.
Comment and analysis
Drawing on their research and expertise across different disciplines, University of Bath academics have been in high demand by media outlets and others in helping the public make sense of the crisis. Here's a snapshot of activity so far.
Six lessons the UK should have learned, one year on from lockdown
Dr Kit Yates writes for the Conversation a year after the first UK COVID lockdown.
Macroeconomic policy intervention during the Great Lockdown. Can this time be different?
Blog: Dr Matteo De Tina and Dr Ian Corrick examine the macroeconomic policy response to the pandemic in the UK and its future implications.
Beyond clapping for key workers – here’s how to give them the pay rise they deserve
Paul Gregg writes on how we move beyond the symbolic ritual of #clapforcarers towards future policies that truly value our key workers with higher wages.
All the coronavirus in the world could fit inside a Coke can, with plenty of room to spare
New Conversation article from Dr Kit Yates.
How the power to delay death has allowed inequality to flourish
Dr Kate Woodthorpe from the Centre for Death & Society writes for The Conversation.
Is swine flu going to be the next pandemic?
Dr Andrew Preston, Reader in Biology and Biochemistry, on a swine flu virus circulating in China with the potential for pandemic spread.
Watch and Listen
Recorded online events from the University in relation to covid and our responses.
LISTEN: End of life care and bereavement support amid COVID-19
Podcast: Dr John Troyer, Dr Chao Fang, Dr Jo Wilson and Dr Paula Smith discuss end of life care and bereavement support amid COVID-19.
LISTEN: What will COVID-19 mean for widening participation in higher education?
Listen again to Matt Dickson, Rebecca Montacute, Charlotte Chadderton, Sam Friedman and Martha Longdon discuss COVID-19 and widening participation.
WATCH: The Science of the Virus
Asel Sartbaeva (Chemistry), Ben Ainsworth (Psychology), Andy Preston (Milner Centre) and Brad Evans (Chair, PoLIS) consider the science behind the pandemic.
WATCH: Making sense of the coronavirus crisis and its social and political effects
David Galbreath (PoLIS), Jennifer Thomson (PoLIS), Nick Pearce and Brad Evans (Chair, PoLIS) discuss the many social and political implications of the virus.
WATCH: The business and economic effects of COVID-19
Bruce Morley (Economics), Eleonara Fichera (Economics), Andy Crane (Management) and Brad Evans (PoLIS, Chair) discuss the economics of COVID-19.
WATCH: Climate change, eco-anxiety and COVID-19.
Hear from Caroline Hickman and Elouise Mayall on the pressing need for action on climate change and some of the psychological impacts the pandemic is having.
Contact us
If you are interested in finding out more about some of these proactive initiatives from members of our community, please contact the University Press Office.