In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NordForsk launched a call for research proposals focusing on health data research related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The initiative aimed to complement ongoing international efforts by focusing on regional healthcare systems and patient populations. The call offered a total funding pool of NOK 57 million.
As a result of this initiative, Nordic researchers were quickly able to collaborate across national borders, and several of the studies funded by NordForsk published important findings at an early stage, including how COVID-19 is affecting pregnant women, the babies, and the mental health of patients and their family members.
NordForsk has now evaluated the initiative by, among other things, asking the researchers who received funding for their assessments of the initiative.
“The response from researchers confirms that mechanisms for the rapid funding of research across borders in the Nordic region are crucial in an acute health crisis, such as a pandemic,” says Arne Flåøyen, Director of NordForsk.
Read the report:
Review of Nordic Health Data Research Projects on COVID-19 (PDF)
Lessons learned from the pandemic
Several key factors were reported by the respondents for successfully initiating research quickly during a crisis. Among the factors are:
- Pre-existing networks and collaboration: Strong international connections enabled early mobilisation of research efforts.
- Access to and sharing of data: National datasets and cross-border data sharing were central for addressing urgent research needs.
- Transparency in data access: Public authorities should provide open access to data for research groups.
The researchers were asked to share valuable lessons from their experience with the call, which could help improve future research initiatives in similar situations. Lessons learned include:
- Speed in funding and evaluation: Short deadlines and rapid evaluation by research funders are important for timely responses in crisis situations.
- Quick data access solutions: The ability to quickly access relevant data, whether through established data-sharing agreements or flexible research strategies, was essential.
- Continuity and preparedness in funding: Pre-arranged funding mechanisms and readiness to build on established collaborative infrastructures in case of crisis.
