The Government and the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) are deeply appreciative of the significant contributions made, and hard work undertaken by the many independent scientists and experts working in support of the country’s response to the pandemic. The continuing demand for Covid-19 science advice from the Government has placed an exceptional burden on many experts participating in SAGE and its subgroups. In response, GO-Science has offered a range of support to these experts, including on 1 SAGE meetings, January 2020 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) matters such as personal security and wellbeing, as well as sending personalised letters of thanks to a number of University Vice Chancellors to recognise the contribution to SAGE of named academics linked to their respective institutions. In addition, the Government recognises that a burden has also been placed on universities – the employers of many SAGE participants – particularly during the academic year. To ease this, the Government has identified funding in support of those universities most affected which will be used to provide cover for the academic’s duties such as teaching. Furthermore, activities in support of SAGE are covered by the Research Excellence Framework, the UK system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions.2 Papers submitted to support and inform SAGE meetings provide excellent examples of work that may be used as a submission to the Research Excellence Framework. The Government agrees that we should come together to celebrate and recognise the work of all those involved in the unprecedented response to the pandemic. The Government will set out details of how it will take this forward in due course. 2 (https://www.ref.ac.uk).