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).
Recruitment to studies and clinical trials is resuming in some cases, with measures in place to ensure the safety of participants and researchers. It is likely there will have been disruption to DPUK-funded research projects in a range of settings due to measures and restrictions in place since March (see 'DPUK-funded projects' section below). Online resources such as the DPUK Data Portal remain open and available for use by researchers.
A number of DPUK-affiliated clinical researchers have been asked to turn their attentions and skills towards helping tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
We will update this page as and when further information becomes available. LAST UPDATE: 16/10/20
DPUK-funded projects
The DPUK funding award now ends on 31 December 2020, and our focus is on completing reporting requirements for the MRC. The MRC Oversight Board reviewed the progress of all projects on 22 May 2020 and confirmed that the majority would be completed by 30 June 2020. A very small number of projects have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and were granted no-cost extensions by the MRC following assessment of formal applications.
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 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but delays have not yet been highlighted to the MRC. New arrangements have been put in place by MRC/UKRI for COVID-19-related grant extensions which now involve applications for block grant funding held locally by institutions.
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.