Covid had a significant impact on many professions. A recent book from a group of researchers from Monash University, Deakin University, and the American University of the Middle East explores the specific impact on academia.

The book aims to provide a series of first-hand accounts of the pandemic experience of people across academia. It focuses on the impact it had on their ability to forge an academic identity.

Telling their story

By providing a platform for individual authors to share their personal narratives, the editors of the book were able to shed light on the diverse impacts of the pandemic on the academic identities of these individuals.

Within the stories conveyed by the chapter authors, several key themes emerged, offering valuable insights into the effects of the pandemic:

1. Exacerbation of Inequalities: The pandemic served to exacerbate existing inequalities within academia, as many authors shared experiences of feeling marginalized and undervalued within the academic system.
2. Parenthood Challenges: Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and academic pursuits proved to be a complex endeavor for individuals in academia. Juggling the demands of home and work life often had adverse effects on their future career prospects.
3. Mental Health Struggles: The pandemic had a profound impact on the mental well-being of those in academia. Many authors expressed doubts and introspection regarding their academic aspirations. However, there were also stories of resilience and the development of coping strategies in the face of adversity.
4. Sense of Solitude: Throughout the book, a recurring theme was the experience of solitude. The reliance on virtual connections with research supervisors, colleagues, and students left Ph.D. students, early-career researchers, and established academics feeling disconnected from the academic community.

By delving into these diverse experiences, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted effects of the pandemic on academic identities, shedding light on the inequalities, challenges, mental health impacts, and feelings of isolation that permeated the academic landscape during this unprecedented time.

“The sudden disruption to or disappearance of everyday activities left academics feeling helpless. We understand now, more than ever, how crucial human contact is in an increasingly interconnected world,” the editors explain.

“Throughout the pandemic, its magnitude has, at times, felt overwhelming to comprehend. Reports on daily case numbers, job losses, extended lockdowns, and even worse, deaths, were common everyday information. Yet, it is important to take stock and remember that behind each of these figures is a person with their own unique story. Our goal with this book was to give some of these stories a voice within our own professional network, which is academia.”