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

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.