August 2, 2024
Higgs publishes paper on COVID-19 response, lessons
Stephen Higgs, associate vice president for research and director of the BRI, has published "COVID-2019 — A Personal Account of an Academic Institute's Response to the Pandemic" in the prestigious academic journal MDPI.
This paper summarizes the journey and responses of Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute, or BRI, during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.
According to Higgs, the motivation to write and publish this paper stemmed from the profound experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Witnessing the resilience and positive response of the K-State community, especially in ensuring the continuity of critical research at the BRI, was truly inspiring," Higgs said. "At a time when there were significant concerns that research might come to a halt due to campus closures, the dedication and collaborative efforts of researchers, educators and staff were remarkable."
The BRI, with its unique biosafety level-3 laboratory capabilities and support from senior leadership, was able to lead novel experiments to address questions related to the virus at a very quick pace. One example was that the university's Institutional Biosafety Committee and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prioritized and expedited reviews without compromising standards, showing a commitment to research amidst a global crisis, Higgs said.
By documenting the events in chronological order, the paper highlights how quickly the COVID-19 situation evolved and how the K-State research community adapted to the uncertainty.
"This paper aims to illustrate the importance of maintaining perspective, staying positive and not giving in to adversity," Higgs said. "It serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to thrive even in the face of unprecedented challenges."
The article offers valuable insights for universities and research institutions in preparing for future crises. Higgs hopes the key takeaway is a reminder that when faced with the emergence of the next pathogen, it is crucial to learn from past successes and mistakes. Decisions and actions should be rational and proportional to the risks, avoiding hasty, unsubstantiated responses that can cause confusion and erode trust.
"The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that regaining trust and restoring normalcy can take years, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and measured approaches in crisis management," Higgs said.
Read the full article to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of the BRI during the pandemic and to draw lessons that can help shape a more resilient future for research and education.