COVID-19 Impact Log
We recommend that doctoral research students, however funded and irrespective of end-date of funding or candidature, should maintain a COVID-19 Impact Log. Students will record on the log any significant COVID-related impact on the progress of their research project, together with the mitigating strategies that have been implemented.
Why a COVID-19 Impact Log?
As doctoral research students adapt to working under COVID, it is a good idea to keep track of how they and their research project are being impacted by the pandemic. The data and information in the Log can be used to record the breadth and depth of the impact. The Log will help to inform reasons underpinning the rate of progression in the project. It may be submitted, and referred to, at progression reviews. It may also be submitted as part of an application for special considerations, extensions to funding, and/or candidature.
What can I record on the Log?
Use the Log to track how you have had to adapt since the start of the pandemic. You should consider questions such as ‘what has changed from the original research project plan?’ ‘how has the lockdown impacted my progress?’ and ‘what mitigating strategies have been implemented to offset the impact?’. You may record, for example, practical implications due to the temporary closing of the laboratories and libraries. You may wish to identify systematically what you had to put on hold, and log the dates, numbers of days/weeks lost as a consequence. You should record COVID-related changes of plans, and potential project risks. You should discuss your Log regularly with your supervisors. Impacts that may have affected your progression, but which are unrelated to COVID, should not be recorded.
It is important to keep your impact log up-to-date. Below are a few key points about what to record in the Log:
- The Log will capture disruptions , for example, to fieldwork. If this applies to you, record how social distancing and travelling restrictions have put a halt to any plans for your fieldwork.
- The Log will also detail how productivity is being impacted. How has COVID-19 affected your health, and/or that of your family? Have you had to take additional action to prevent yourself from coming into contact with COVID-19? Have you had to take on extra caring responsibilities, such as looking after a dependent, home schooling your child/children? Has your mental wellbeing been affected to due health worries, financial hardship, or geo-political concerns?
- What seems obvious today will not necessarily be in, say, two years. Write the obvious now, while it is obvious, and reflect on it regularly. It is important to capture all issues and risks you think are (and could be) impeding research progression.
- Reflecting on the current situation will stand you in good stead for re-prioritising your research project. What can be addressed now? What cannot be completed now? What can be shifted?