SAGE has been activated for the longest continual period since its inception, which brings to question how sustainably the group can maintain its current level of high activity. We acknowledge senior scientists’ comments of frequent working round the clock, and we pay tribute to their continued service to the public throughout this emergency. It is also important to be clear that it is not just the participants of SAGE, and its sub-groups, who are managing this workload—it is shared by the colleagues, junior researchers and technicians who support them, too, as well as Government officials, among others. The Cabinet Office and the Government Office for Science should commit to update SAGE guidance to consider what support might be required for independent advisers in long-term emergency scenarios, within six months of SAGE being deactivated. The Government should identify a way to formally recognise and celebrate all those who have contributed to the UK scientific response to the pandemic. (Paragraph 51) Transparency and communication