The House of Lords Science and Technology
Committee has announced that it will conduct an inquiry into
various scientific and technological aspects of the COVID-19
pandemic.
The focus of this inquiry will be forward looking,
aiming to help Government and society learn from the current
pandemic and better prepare for future epidemics caused by this
and other viruses. The inquiry will begin with its first topic in
the coming weeks and is likely to last until
December.
, Chair of the Science and
Technology Committee, said:
"There are so many statements about COVID-19 that
conflict with each other, which can increase public anxiety. This
inquiry will look at the facts, focusing on what we do know about
this virus, identifying the gaps in our knowledge and how science
can help.
“We will examine the issues at the heart of the
public’s anxiety, including how the virus works and spreads,
testing, new treatments, vaccines and other key matters, calling
upon the best available scientific information from around the
world.”
The Committee will take evidence from UK and
international experts on the scientific understanding of the
SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as the technology involved in
preventing, diagnosing and treating the virus. The
Committee will seek to identify research opportunities in
epidemiology, medical care and basic science.
By adopting this focus, the Committee intends to
offer valuable insight, whilst other Parliamentary Committees
cover the political, economic and social implications of the
crisis.
The Committee will be advised by leading immunologist
Professor Sir Robert Lechler, President of the Academy of Medical
Sciences and Vice Principal (Health) at King’s College
London.
In order to reach rapid and useful conclusions, the
Committee will take oral evidence, but not issue a call for
written evidence. However, the Committee does welcome concise
(one-page) submissions of scientific evidence related to the
following areas:
-
Virology and research needs:
-
The nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including
its structure, genome, antigenic properties and likely
origin.
-
Epidemiology, modelling and
testing:
-
The modes of transmission of the virus among
people, including modelling of the epidemiology and the
impact of social-distancing policies on the
spread.
-
Diagnostic tests for the virus, including PCR
(nucleic acid) tests and antibody tests: their accuracy,
reliability, supply and distribution.
-
Vaccines and treatments:
-
Vaccines, including obstacles to be overcome in
the case of SARS-CoV-2 and methods for speeding up and
increasing the success rate of vaccine
development.
-
Therapeutic treatments for Covid-19, including
antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies and convalescent
plasma.
-
Technology and global preparedness:
-
Digital technology and data analytics,
including the role they can play in testing and tracing
contacts and implications for privacy.
Notes to
Editors
-
The
House of Lords Science and Technology
Committee is chaired by and conducts a broad
range of inquires in relation to Science and
Technology
