- The research in 2018 predominantly focused on general medical topics, with a notable presence of discussions related to MERS-CoV and other coronaviruses. This indicates that the scientific community was already aware of the potential threats posed by coronaviruses, reflecting an established concern over emerging viral threats and the importance of early prevention strategies.
- By 2019, there was a noticeable shift towards studies on bat-origin coronaviruses, propelled by the emergence of COVID-19 cases at the end of the year. This shift underscores the significance of understanding zoonotic transmission as a crucial aspect of pandemic preparedness.
- The onset of the pandemic in 2020 led to a dramatic pivot in scientific efforts towards understanding and combating COVID-19. Research extensively covered public health responses, the virus's impact on mental health and education, and the vulnerability of different populations. This year highlighted the swift mobilization of the global research community in response to an unfolding health crisis.
- In 2021, the focus expanded to developing antiviral vaccines and exploring the pandemic's broader societal impacts. The emphasis was not only on direct health interventions but also on adapting to new normals, such as the impact on education and the application of AI and technology in diagnosing and managing the disease.
- Research in 2022 continued to deal with the pandemic's extensive and varied impacts, emphasizing sustainable solutions and revisiting public health strategies. This reflects a mature phase of pandemic research where the focus has broadened from immediate crisis response to long-term consequences and learning from the pandemic to enhance future preparedness.