COVID-19 – Shape the Future

How the social sciences, humanities and the arts can SHAPE a positive, post-pandemic future for peoples, economies and environment

October 2020

This paper summarises the discussions held during twenty policy and research workshops which considered topics under three broad themes relevant to the post-pandemic future: revitalising societal well-being, recreating an inclusive economy around purpose, and revisiting the histories and cultures of science, policy and politics.

Economic Aspects of the COVID-19 Crisis in the UK

August 2020

This report proposes a cautious and prolonged reopening strategy over an abrupt end to lockdown measures to allow the economy to restructure around physical distancing requirements – a likely feature of the “new normal”.

How to hold elections safely and democratically during the COVID-19 pandemic

August 2020

This briefing draws on existing experience of elections held during the COVID-19 pandemic and previous health crises to address five areas of vulnerability: inclusive and accountable electoral management, poll worker safeguarding, interinstitutional collaboration, feasible and effective election observation, and the risk of electoral violence.

COVID-19 Crisis: Lessons for Recovery

July 2020

This briefing highlights key insights from research on other crisis situations that we hope can inform recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 as well as management of responses to future pandemics.

Face masks and coverings for the general public: Behavioural knowledge, effectiveness of cloth coverings and public messaging

June 2020

This rapid review of the science of the effectiveness of different face mask types and coverings and behavioural adherence is from the Royal Society and the British Academy to assist in the understanding of COVID-19.

Confronting COVID-19: nudge and sludge

Hetan Shah and Professor Cass Sunstein FBA

Based on an idea popularised by Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler, nudge theory encourages us to do the “right thing” by making the desired action easy, more obvious and more normal. But how far does nudging work in the context of a global pandemic, and what are its limits?

Is COVID-19 a turning point in history? Learning from the past

Hetan Shah and Professor Margaret MacMillan Hon FBA,

The course of human history has been shaped by war, disease and natural disaster. Whether the Black Death, world wars or COVID-19, these crises have sent shockwaves across the globe but how can insights from the many catastrophes of the past can help us to make sense of the present?

Artists in times of crisis

Samira Ahmed and Professor Sir Simon Schama FBA

Some of the greatest works of arts, from Goya’s The Disasters of War to Picasso’s Guernica, have been produced during troubled times. In this event, Simon Schama recounts the remarkable stories of artists who, under extreme stress, have created something unprecedented, altering the course of art forever.

Culture in crisis?

Matthew Sweet and Professors Isobel Armstrong FBA, Ian Christie FBA, John Sloboda FBA, Dame Marina Warner FBA,

Creatives have risen to the challenge of sharing – and championing – culture online, but fear for the future of the entire sector remains. Can virtual venues ever replace the thrill of a live performance?

COVID-19 public inquiry – a case of when, not if?

Professor Conor Gearty FBA

The pandemic of 2020 has caused untold disruption around the world, and the United Kingdom has suffered particularly seriously. What kind of public accounting will there be for the way in which the virus has played out in Britain?

Lessons from existing disaster risk and recovery research should inform equitable and sustainable pathways out of the pandemic

International Science Council

How is the current crisis affecting how we eat?

Science Advice for Policy by European Academies

Thinking big about the future of society

Global Science TV