“Set My Scientists Free” - Scientific Phone Apps and DIY equipment during lockdowns

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The SARS-CoV2 pandemic of year 2020 caused unprecedented disruptions globally. With lockdowns implemented in many countries, scientific research such as biomedical sciences, experienced major disruptions in the access and supply of research materials and equipment. With these disruptions, the dependence of research on centralized infrastructure had become apparent. Without the scientific equipment and the associated infrastructure, many aspects of research grinded to a halt. Yet, this highlights the need for adaptations to build our own devices, particularly how scientific apps and mobile devices including the “Internet of Things” can help. In this, a phrase that I previously used to describe the early work of scientific phone apps – “Set My Scientists Free” seems apt to describe a much-needed change.