Building Resilience: Lessons Learned by Big Science Organizations During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged organizations worldwide, offering important lessons about resilience and adaptation. This study focuses on resilience of professionals working in Big Science Organizations (BSOs), specifically National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Major Facilities (MFs), Mid-Scale Research Infrastructures (MSRIs), and other related large research infrastructures. These organizations, such as the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and the Green Bank Observatory, play a critical role in advancing science and had to quickly adjust to pandemic disruptions. Between December 2020 and August 2023, we conducted 56 interviews across three phases. Phase 1 explored early responses (n=13), Phase 2 examined long-term adaptations (n=17), and Phase 3 involved member-checking validation (n=26). Using grounded theory for analysis and participant ratings for validation, we identified five key lessons: (1) pivoting to hybrid work is possible; (2) organizations must respect employees’ personal and family needs; (3) workplaces should offer and promote mental health and counseling resources; (4) not all employees will comply with policies that threaten personal freedoms; and (5) pandemic preparedness planning is essential. These findings, confirmed across phases, highlight the importance of flexibility, employee well-being, and proactive crisis planning. They offer a practical framework to strengthen resilience for big science organizations facing future global disruptions.