Lawrence Young

Emeritus Professor of Molecular Oncology, Warwick Medical School

Lessons for future pandemics and virus control

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call highlighting our vulnerability to emerging virus infections as well as shaking us out of the complacent view that we needn’t be concerned about the dangers of infectious diseases.

"The pandemic hastened the development of new technologies such as mRNA vaccines and lateral flow tests for point-of-care diagnosis. It also highlighted the importance of individual responsibility in controlling the spread of virus infection and in the need to protect the most vulnerable in our society. The hope is that this experience will equip us to respond more effectively to any future emerging infectious diseases.”

Heidi Ashton

Associate Professor, Centre for Culture and Media Policy Studies

How arts and culture shaped our lives during COVID

"The arts have always provided a range benefits for our physical, emotional, social and psychological wellbeing, it is even prescribed by the NHS and the benefits are recognised by the WHO.

"During the COVID pandemic however the power and value of arts and culture became visible and tangible in new ways. For many it provided comfort and connection but for many arts workers it was a loss of their livelihood and years of training and toil.

"COVID was not only a time when we experienced the true value of arts and culture but also a time when we lost many of those who create the works that we turn to in times of difficulty and joy. The lesson we can learn is to ensure that we have a thriving arts and culture to turn to in the future."

James Gill

Associate Professor Clinical Studies, Warwick Medical School

Long COVID and medical education

"As a result, it is likely that in an average lecture theatre of 40 students, 2 student will still going to be fighting ongoing effects of the pandemic. That’s potentially a significant number of students who’ve had the challenge of medical school dramatically increased

"As an institution we try to maximise the experience of all students who might have increased needs, whether those needs are visible or not. Thankfully many of the changes put in placed as a result of the pandemic have continued on and now provide increased support to those individuals who are still carrying an impact from the infections"

In many ways, five years ago, covid stopped the world. In restarting, I’m like to think that the medical school has learnt how to be a better place for our students, staff, and I’m sure this will lead to better doctors for our patients too.

Stuart Hampton-Reeves

Professor & Head, School of Creative Arts, Performance and Visual Cultures

The real impact of COVID on the theatre sector

"But the future is looking positive for the theatre sector - the West End has rebounded and audiences are returning to regional theatres, there are some exciting new artistic directors right across the sector, and there are lots of signs that the theatre industry is grappling with the present with the same level of insight and the ability to create debate about the world as we experience it now that it has had since Shakespeare's day."

Gordon McGregor

Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation, Warwick Medical School

The route to recovery from Long COVID

“Receiving the REGAIN programme made a difference. Quality of life at three and 12 months was better in people who took part compared to the one-off advice group. People were less fatigued, and their mental health was better. The REGAIN is both safe and enjoyable, and health economists showed that it is cost effective for the NHS.”

Ivo Vlaev

Professor of Behaviour Sciences, Warwick Business School

What have we learned about human behaviour from COVID-19

"Effective prosocial messaging relies on clear, emotionally engaging, and action-oriented communication.

"Messages that highlight social norms, personal relevance, and practical steps are more likely to drive behaviour change, particularly when delivered by trusted sources. So, recommendations are government should frame public health messages about social responsibility and raising awareness about others, especially about loved ones (friends and family). Also, deliver clear public health messages about risks, increasing the public’s awareness of the consequences regarding the health of others.”