Introductory Academic Research

The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry commissioned introductory academic research into the areas of investigation in its terms of reference. Researchers from the Universities of Birmingham, Dundee, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier, Glasgow, and Highlands and Islands responded to the Inquiry’s call for expressions of interest, and provided research reports. In keeping with the principles of openness and transparency under which the Inquiry is operating, we are publishing this introductory research on our website.

The work was commissioned to assist the Inquiry with its initial planning about where to direct detailed investigations. Researchers were asked for information such as the key events, main bodies or persons involved, relevant research papers and publications, and areas suggested for further investigation.

The brief sent out by the Inquiry for the research can be found here. The research commissioned gives initial coverage across the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference. Researchers were asked to provide overview studies corresponding to the areas within the Inquiry's four Investigative Portfolios:

1. Public Sector Response
2. Financial and Welfare Support to Businesses and Individuals
3. The Provision of Health and Social Care Services
4. Education, certification, impact on children and young people.

The research provides multiple academic perspectives as well as a variety of methodologies and expertise.

The Inquiry is grateful to those who have undertaken this introductory research. Significant amounts of work have gone into it. It is a valuable resource, providing a wealth of information which will be of interest to many.

Disclaimer

Please note that the Inquiry is an independent body, and will be carrying out its own investigations to fulfil its Terms of Reference. The introductory scoping research we publish contains the view of those who wrote it. Nothing in the research is binding on the Inquiry. As a scoping exercise, the research does not cover everything the Inquiry will be investigating, instead constituting preliminary work to inform the Inquiry's approach. The research is one of many sources of evidence which will be considered by the Inquiry. The Inquiry will investigate the areas within its terms of reference, and it cannot investigate areas which relate to reserved matters. During the course of the Inquiry's investigation participants will have an opportunity to provide evidence and put forward their points of view through various mechanisms set up by the Inquiry, including commenting on the research if they wish to do so.

The reports can be found in the links below: