CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
This page provides information for DPUK staff, researchers, associates and members of the public in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).
DPUK and coronavirus
Along with our host and partner organisations, we are continually monitoring the situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19).
We have suspended recruitment to clinical trials, and it is likely there will be disruption to DPUK-funded research projects in a range of settings due to measures currently in place (see 'DPUK-funded projects' section below). Online resources such as the DPUK Data Portal will remain open and available for use by researchers.
It is also likely that a number of DPUK-affiliated clinical researchers will be asked to turn their attentions and skills towards helping tackle this crisis.
We will update this page as and when further information becomes available.
DPUK-funded projects
The DPUK funding award ends on 30 June 2020, and at present the next MRC Oversight Board meeting is scheduled to go ahead as planned in May. DPUK staff are continuing to request progress reports and final reports for projects: individuals with DPUK funding should notify DPUK staff if personal circumstances mean they will have difficulties returning reports by the requested dates.
For researchers whose DPUK-funded projects have ended:
Please note the details above regarding reporting processes, and contact Claire Renshaw (claire.renshaw@psych.ox.ac.uk) or Pamela Reid (pamela.reid@psych.ox.ac.uk) if you will have difficulties meeting the requested reporting dates.
For researchers with active DPUK-funded projects adversely affected by COVID-19:
Please contact Claire Renshaw (claire.renshaw@psych.ox.ac.uk) or Pamela Reid (pamela.reid@psych.ox.ac.uk) if you are encountering difficulties undertaking DPUK-funded research owing to COVID-19. At this stage we simply need to know which projects are affected, together with details of where your project has been paused. Once we know how long the interruption to research is likely to last, and we have heard how the MRC intends to deal with COVID-19 delays, we will contact you for specific details of the outstanding work.
Information and guidance on coronavirus
The following list contains links to information being provided by each of DPUK's university partners:
Guidance is also available via the UK government website.
Mental health advice
As the coronavirus outbreak escalates and measures such as social distancing come into force, it becomes of paramount importance to ensure we look after ourselves and others – not least when it comes to mental health.
The following resources provide advice on how to cope (and help others cope) with factors such as uncertainty, anxiety, isolation and information overload in these trying times:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Do not hesitate to reach out to colleagues if you feel overwhelmed or isolated. By looking out for each other we can help make the best of this period of uncertainty.