ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has inflicted more than 280 million people all over the globe for around two years. It has impeded all functions, including the science community. To assess the extent of the impact that COVID-19 brought on the research quantity and quality of Filipino scientists, a survey was disseminated to 107 scientists who work in the fields of applied science, engineering science, natural science, physical science, and social science - providing the socio-economic and professional demographics of the participants. Results show that factors - such as gender, field of science, cohabitation, and age group - individually do not pose significant differences in the research quality or research quantity during the pandemic. However, combining these various factors showed significant differences, both positive and negative. Further, several focus group discussions (FGD) were performed to have a deeper understanding of the situation of the scientists during the pandemic. During the FGD, the direct implications of COVID-19 on participants' work-set up were discussed, what steps they and their institutions have done to cope with the pandemic, and the suggestions they have for the Philippine government. The FGD was analyzed into three thematic themes - namely, challenges faced by the participants and how they cope, mitigating actions done by their institutions, and the scientists' attitude towards institutional and national programs. Providing a stronger vaccination program, overhauling the procurement system, improving the efficiency of government institutions, and creating realistic research planning and funding management are the highlights of the policy recommendations offered to have better postpandemic handling and management. This is the first systematic and comprehensive study in the Philippines regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientists. [ FROM AUTHOR]