Research teams should ensure that additional responsibilities associated with a pandemic are shared fairly across the team to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.

Our research has shown that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers who were already disadvantaged in the academic system were disproportionately burdened with responsibilities such as pastoral care and social and psychological support. In many cases, this led to a decrease in their academic productivity, with an impact on future employability and career progression. In an equitable academic environment additional responsibilities should be shared fairly across the team.

Related PREPARED Publications:

The experience of women researchers during the Covid-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Navigating the Post-Pandemic Normal: Learning from the Experiences of Cyprus-Based Female Researchers during the COVID-19 Pandemic