The novel coronavirus pandemic impacts us all, every corner of our society and of our University as well. That includes Penn State’s vast research enterprise. While social distancing requirements mean activity on campus is currently limited to maintaining essential functions, much research continues to be done remotely. This has meant finding and adjusting to new ways of working together, and we are meeting that challenge.

But it’s certainly not just business as usual. Researchers from across the University are responding directly to this rapidly evolving global crisis in real time, contributing world-class expertise, ingenuity, and resources wherever they are most needed. From seed-funding for innovative vaccine development and virus detection strategies to a grass-roots effort to harness our 3D printing capabilities to manufacture critically needed supplies, Penn State’s research community is rising to the occasion.  

In this and future issues, we will highlight aspects of this ongoing effort along with research in other areas.