We are back with Season 2 and chat with Andrew about what hes been up to for the past 2 years. Turns out its been a lot since hes been working on leading a group sequencing SARS-CoV-2.

Details of Andrews work: https://quadram.ac.uk/case_studies/genome-sequencing-sars-cov-2-plays-a-critical-role-in-informing-national-and-international-covid-19-public-health-responses/

In this Research Pages podcast, hosts Andrew and Niamh discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research and their experiences with COVID-19 research support. Andrew discusses his involvement with the UK COVID-19 Genomics Consortium, a partnership of universities, institutions, public health bodies, and other organizations. The consortium collected samples from hospitals, sequenced and analyzed them, and shared the data with the UK government and public health bodies. Andrew's team worked seven days a week, and the impact of their work was immediate, with reports being sent back to local hospitals about outbreaks, and the information being used to inform government policy.

Andrew emphasizes the importance of collaboration and quick action during the pandemic, which led to a shift in traditional research methods towards more immediate action. This resulted in the generation of data that was immediately used to inform government policy and decisions. The conversation also touches on the importance of clear and accurate scientific advice to the government in managing the pandemic. Andrew was involved in one of the Sage working groups, which brought together experts from various fields to answer questions and give clear and accurate advice. Andrew spoke about the importance of answering questions truthfully and giving clear and accurate advice, even when the answer was unknown or more research was needed.

Andrew also discussed his involvement in science communication, particularly to the public, acknowledging the importance of communicating clearly and accurately to the public during the pandemic. Finally, Andrew discussed the current situation, with restrictions being dropped in many countries, and how it feels to be moving out of the intense period of the pandemic. He acknowledged that we are now nearly at the point where things are stable, and hopefully, we can get back to a more normal life and a more normal stable system of surveillance.

The interviewee discusses how the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of open research practices and collaboration. They are most proud of their work helping other countries set up sequencing capabilities and providing advice to counterparts around the world. The podcast's focus on COVID-19 research and response demonstrates the critical role that research plays in addressing global challenges. The interviewer and interviewee plan to have future conversations about research from the perspectives of a computer scientist and a professional librarian.

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