Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on research and innovation

The latest advice and guidance

The following advice has been prepared for those involved with research activities at the University of Plymouth. 

It should be read alongside the University’s advice and guidance for staff and students.

Please also visit our page on COVID-19 related funding calls for further information about current opportunities, the streamlined approval process and ways to connect with other researchers at the University who are planning work related to the pandemic. 

If you have any questions that are not covered below, please contact researchadvice@plymouth.ac.uk.

I am the PI on a project which is being delayed due to the pandemic, what should I do?

You should already have been contacted by Research and Innovation if you are the lead for an active project. If you have not been contacted yet, please email researchadvice@plymouth.ac.uk and we will be in touch to discuss the implications of the delay. You should check the web pages of your project funder to understand their policy on project extensions, either on a funded or no-cost basis. Please keep the Finance Research Support Team informed of any discussions with your funder.

Can I delay the start of my newly awarded research project?

Please check your funder’s website for their guidance on delaying the start of your project. UKRI have announced that projects funded under their Responsive Mode calls can be delayed by up to six months because of the current circumstances. Please see their website for further details.

I have an idea for a research project to address the COVID-19 pandemic, what should I do?

Research and Innovation have set up a new page specifically related to COVID-19 funding, please visit the page for further advice and information.



I have had to cancel research project travel plans and activities, will I be reimbursed?

You should refer to the guidance from your project funder on this matter. Where possible, you should try to recover costs from the travel provider. Where this is not possible you should contact the University's Insurance Team to discuss whether a claim can be made. Please note that the University insurance policy covers overseas travel only.

I want to offer my expertise to potential research projects, what should I do?

Research and Innovation are curating a register of project ideas and individuals who would like to offer their expertise in collaborative projects. Please see our COVID-19 funding page for further information.

I am applying for an urgency call addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, do I need to do anything differently?

A streamlined approvals process has been agreed for COVID-19 applications. Please see our COVID-19 funding page for further information.

I am a postgraduate research student, where can I find advice specific to my situation?

Please see the coronavirus FAQs page for information for postgraduate research students.

The effects of the crisis and changes in work practice are stressful for me and my research team, where do I find help to address this?

Human Resources have created a page that provides advice on taking care of yourself during this period.

Is REF 2021 still going ahead?

Research England have announced that REF2021 is on hold until further notice. This means the submission deadline of 27 November 2020 will no longer apply.

Has the impact eligibility period altered for REF 2021?

Currently the impact eligibility period remains unchanged (1 August 2013 - 31 July 2020)

Is the REF 2021 census date still 31 July 2020?

Currently the REF census date remains unchanged.