The Role Played by Public Universities in Mitigating the Coronavirus Catastrophe in Brazil: Solidarity, Research and Support to Local Governments Facing the Health Crisis

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil and how it has been dealt with by both the government and in civil society. To this end, we examine the Brazilian public health system and the measures taken by the Bolsonaro Government that led to Brazil being ranked second in overall Covid-19 infections in the world through August 2020. In the absence of national leadership facing the Covid-19 health crisis, we list a set of science-based initiatives promoted by Brazilian public universities in connection with local governments, NGOs and communities as a means of mitigating the consequences and spread of the pandemic. This study is based on the consultation of institutional material published by universities summarizing their research and outreach initiatives. Results reveal that university initiatives included: 1) Alerts to society on the risks of the pandemic, with an emphasis on establishing observatories that assisted local governments and civil society in understanding the evolution of the disease, as well as in implementing measures for its prevention; 2) Direct assistance to local communities, with emphases on the addition of beds in university hospitals for treating patients with Covid-19 and on the manufacturing of personal protective equipment and; 3) Research to find solutions to prevent and treat the disease, with emphases on the development of tests for Covid-19, as well as on carrying out phase 3 vaccine trials. Through these measures, Brazilian public Federal Universities played a key role in supporting both civil society and local governments in mitigating the impacts of the pandemic.

A Smart Campus Framework: Challenges and Opportunities for Education Based on the Sustainable Development Goals

“…Additionally, the right side of Figure 3 shows the descriptive data of performance scores with a 3-point scale (1)(2)(3)(4). Students considered that the university underperformed as a smart campus, since the overall data ranged between 2.23 and 2.86.…”

“…Since scholasticism in medieval European monasteries, universities had become a significant component of societal change, sustainability, and digital transitions [1,2]. They have had a crucial role in recent matters, such as fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, through partnerships and support of governments and civil society [3].…”

Taking stock: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on University–Community engagement

“…Going forward, (v) volunteer and humanitarian actions by students and academic staff were identified, looking at vulnerable population groups ( Aluisio et al, 2020 ; Arrais et al, 2021 ). It was noted that the pandemic intensified the level of vulnerability of several population groups.…”

“…Furthermore, the review identified (vi) university–government partnerships , mainly formed to conduct research in collaboration with other entities or on demand (in all areas of knowledge). These partnerships included those between universities, governments and communities, as well as joint initiatives aimed at the formulation of public policies, protocols and campaigns, among others ( Arrais et al, 2021 ; Joseph et al, 2021 ; Luppi et al, 2021 ; Maglia and Braida, 2020 ; Maurrasse, 2021 ; Nawangwe, 2021 ; Perrotta, 2021 ; Rosa et al, 2021 ; Souza et al, 2022; Vinson et al, 2021 ). Public–public partnerships have important intersections with other dimensions, especially with (i), (ii) and (vii).…”

“…These efforts also include the civic and public actions of HEIs and the scientific community in the fight against the so-called ‘fake news’ (Deca et al, 2021; Harkavy et al, 2020). When it comes to policy advice, experts were called on by government authorities and the media to build awareness about the disease and the mechanisms of prevention or to contribute with advice to decisions and public policies related to the pandemic (Arrais et al, 2021; Maglia and Braida, 2020; UNESCO, 2021). It can be said that the pandemic has been generating stimuli to the connections between engagement and science communication; the role of digital media and technologies can also be highlighted in this context.…”