https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.120.13

The Society conducted a survey during June and July of this year, to better understand the impact COVID-19 was having on our members and their work. We were also keen to receive feedback on the member benefits that we had introduced and gather ideas as to how we might build on this support going forward.

Members were invited to share their thoughts on topics such as the impact of the pandemic on physiological research, support from The Society, and willingness to attend in-person scientific conferences.

Approximately 13% of members responded. Over half of these members said they felt supported by The Society during the lockdown period, with the professional development webinar series being the most valued resource. The Scientific Theme webinars and the Future Physiology virtual conference were also well-received by members. At this difficult time, 48% of members valued being part of a community.

Members felt there were some areas where The Society could further enhance support, for example by providing online teaching resources and increasing the number of professional development webinars.

Many members were forced to change their professional focus because of the pandemic: 75% of respondents using the time to write up and publish research, 39% were delivering online teaching, 36% were applying for grants and funding, and 37% preparing for online and blended teaching.

Members were asked their feelings on attending scientific conferences, and when they would feel comfortable returning to in-person meetings. The size of the meeting, and the location, were the factors impacting this decision. While a third of respondents felt they would be comfortable attending small, focused meetings within 3 to 6 months, most felt it was too soon to know if they would be comfortable attending large international conferences within this time period.

When asked their views on the long-term impact of the pandemic on physiology research, 46% said it was too soon the know the long-term impact and 34% felt research was likely to return to pre-lockdown levels. When asked how the pandemic had affected research funding in their institution, over two-thirds confirmed there had been a negative impact.

Overall, the results of the survey suggested that The Society had responded well to ensure members felt supported during this time; 55% said they felt supported during the lockdown. We have already responded to some requests for additional support, such as sharing teaching resources on our website, publishing an Education Special Issue of our member magazine Physiology News and running additional professional development webinars, which started on 30 October. We will continue to facilitate a dialogue with, and amongst, the community to ensure our membership offer remains the best it can be during these unprecedented times.

We would like to thank all members who took the time to complete the survey.

An executive summary is available to all members on The Society website; anyone wishing to discuss the survey and the results further, can contact Jen Happe, Membership Engagement Manager at membership@ physoc.org