Editorial

Abstract

No one could have imagined the unusual interest in science and technology that the context of the pandemic sparked. The incessant questioning in a time marked by uncertainty demands urgent answers from science and research to explain, examine possible solutions, and envision a post-COVID-19 scenario.  Although health sciences play a crucial role, the multiple edges of this health emergency unfailingly call for the conjugation of all disciplines for their urgent and rigorous contribution. Engineering, especially artificial intelligence, health, and communication technologies, along with the social and human sciences, are allowing us to face emerging situations, enhance epidemiological surveillance and sustain the socio-economic fabric.  Information technologies provide solutions for monitoring symptoms and the consequent prevention of care needs; they also allow knowing the location of people, guaranteeing physical distance, and maintaining social closeness. The different communication alternatives provide the right to access timely information and strengthen the community fabric to face risks as well as becoming aware of infection prevention and control measures.  When approaching towards technologies became mandatory, deep  asymmetries were uncovered, but at the same time, when exploring  the potential of digital tools, new ways and modalities gained strength:  teleworking, videoconferencing software, online courses, telemedicine,  virtual classrooms and a long etcetera of solutions that have become a  part of daily living that is expected to be temporary.  On the other hand, the use of intrusive tools in an emergency context poses challenges and dangers. For instance, facial recognition could play an important role in guaranteeing compliance with the basic prevention guidelines established by health authorities, but limits must be observed to avoid violating the right to privacy and confidentiality of personal data. Regarding surveillance measures, there is a risk that they will become permanent with capabilities and infrastructure that would hardly be unstructured.  At the end of this crisis, we will have to appreciate learning, which entails  shoring up education, science, technology and research as an inalienable  and unavoidable commitment, constituting its investment not only as a  governmental initiative, but also as a State policy.  Our thanks to those who contribute daily to this Journal. This issue is  dedicated to all the people who are on the first front to win the battle  against COVID-19, exposing themselves to being infected for saving lives;  and to those innumerable human beings who, from the countryside or  the city, help with their work, often silent and invisible, to sustain the  dynamics that make this strange everydayness bearable.