Worldwide Consequences of COVID-19 on Research in STEM

Abstract

A global public health emergency like the Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires accurate and timely data collection in the research community. High-impact research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been prioritized in the fight against COVID-19. The present study analyzed the consequences of COVID-19 on STEM research and the collaboration between research institutions and industries worldwide. It was noted that COVID-19 had caused significant delays in non-COVID-19-related research projects and the onset of several remote studies. Most importantly, researchers in the STEM fields directed their attention and expertise to help mitigate virus transmission, treat patients, and implement appropriate public health interventions. Innovations are being integrated in several fields of technological and engineering research to provide optimal patient care and enhance physical distancing measures. Global research platforms are also designed to encourage accelerated research, especially in potential medicinal treatment. Collaboration amongst different disciplines and countries has enabled remarkable progress in the dissemination of scientific knowledge and appropriate responses to address the multifaceted effects of this pandemic on global research in STEM.