The pandemic has highlighted the role of universities and academic research as a key contributor to society as never before. But have institutions been able to gain a reputation advantage from research they have shared during the period? 

The World 100 research project for 2020/2021 explored how universities have used the visibility of COVID-19 research to build profile.

Key elements of the research included undertaking public polling in a number of countries, surveying global academics, and collecting research evidence from around the globe. 

We also explored the experiences of W100 members – and particularly those teams involved with promoting research – to understand your experiences during the pandemic. 

The research also included interviewing media relations and research promotion leads. 

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The research, which took place between July and October 2021 aimed to explore three key questions: 

  • How well do key audiences understand the role of universities in supporting Covid-related scholarship – epidemiology, treatments, vaccines, behavioral psychology, economic impacts/recovery? 
  • Has the visibility of high-profile academics translated into reputational benefits for their universities? 
  • What’s the impact of negative views of science or COVID-19 related research during pandemic (herd immunity, anti-lockdown feeling) on universities? 

A few key findings

Research Downloads:

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PDF The Reputation Opportunity 20/21-  Full Report

PDF The Reputation Opportunity 20/21-  Executive Summary

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The World 100 Reputation Network is a group of the best universities in the world, delivering research that enhances reputation and offering leaders the chance to develop their own careers on a global stage. Members benefit from events and study tours, training, monthly media monitoring, and unique reputation research to provide institutional advantage.

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