COVID-19 in university settings: Establishing an advanced research platform to inform control and mitigation strategies – Urgency Award

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Universities have been identified as potential high risk setting for SARS2 spread. This viewpoint is based on specific environmental and social factors - for example mass mobilisation, communal living and frequent social interactions - as well as biological determinants, such as asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic spread. However, the evidence-base is lacking. This project will provide an immediate and timely snapshot of SARS2 prevalence, its molecular epidemiology and seroprevalence in a large cohort (~6K) of hall-based students and associated frontline staff. It will also establish necessary modelling and behavioural research platforms to provide immediate and mid-term analysis of behaviours and social factors associated with infection and spread, as well as its mitigation, with a particular focus on social distancing. It will also utilise existing NIHR-supported activities focussing on the long-term consequences of COVID-19. This will have immediate impact on the national and international higher education community as well as longer-term benefits created through resulting multi-partner collaborative research. These studies will provide important insights into COVID-19, including its epidemiology, control and long-term health impacts.