Fiatal kutatók nehézségei a COVID–19 járvány alatt • Difficulties of Young Researchers during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The medical and economic consequences of the short-and long-term measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary are still unpredictable. In addition to being affected by the insecure labour market situation, the (partial) closure of research institutes and university buildings, the inability to perform laboratory work or to conduct experiments requiring human contact, the impossibility of obtaining research supplies and equipment, the transition to digital distance teaching techniques, the cancellation or postponement of national and international study-and research trips and conferences due to the epidemic-related emergency situation, many scientists were hindered in the realisation of their research goals due to their 24hour home duties associated with their small children or family members. Depending on their specific situation, these difficulties affect the research activities of individual researchers differently. However, these difficulties continue to have strong impact on some highly important, but vulnerable groups of the national research and innovation ecosystem such as early-career researchers, especially women and single parents. In this publication we would like to outline the successful and equitable response measures taken by international and national funding agencies and decision makers so far, which, in our opinion, were not always publicised enough. Furthermore, we would like to formulate general recommendations for decision makers with the aim of mitigating the short-and long-term negative impacts of the situation, focusing on two main areas. 1. Based on individual requests and evaluation, funding agencies should grant a deadline extension for scientific and financial reporting and for the closure of various grants and scholarships. 2. In spite of the expected negative effects of the pandemic, decision makers should aim to preserve funding resources and workplaces in science. Kulcsszavak: COVID-19 világjárvány, fiatal kutatók, kisgyermekes kutatók, pályázati teljesítési és jelentési határidők meghosszabbítása