The role of science in informing policy has never been more explicit – or at times more controversial - than in the response to COVID-19. A new report examines the fallout and how the scientific advice system can be improved    

Farrar will oversee science at the World Health Organisation, after leading Europe’s biggest medical research charity for nearly a decade

The EU came up short in running any pan-European clinical trials to advance the development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies. It is now trying to fix the problem and be better prepared for future health emergencies

The pandemic accelerated open science and cemented social media as a place for scientists to discuss their research. But 32% of researchers in a new survey said they or a colleague faced online abuse after posting their findings

Science led the way out of the COVID-19 pandemic and can rise to other challenges, as long as there is sustained investment in research and research infrastructures, the head of the European Molecular Biology Lab tells Science|Business

Development of vaccines and therapeutics is highly risky and takes time. New models are needed to ensure we are prepared for fresh outbreaks of disease and emerging infections

The EU succeeded in creating a portfolio of vaccines and procuring enough doses to go round, but contracts did not make provisions for disruptions to supplies

Clinical trials were halted as COVID-19 took hold. But inability to see patients face-to-face has inspired the use of technology to monitor patients remotely, leading to improvements that are here to stay