PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Decades from now, what will you remember about 2020? From protective masks to social distancing to virtual courses, the most relentless global health emergency of the last century will undoubtedly dominate memories for most Brown community members.

But so too will the stories of researchers pivoting to focus on new COVID-19 discoveries; students and early medical school graduates working on the front lines of health care delivery; people joining together to protect community health and support those most directly impacted; and lots of virtual community-building.

Those themes were constants across the actions of Brown students, faculty and staff in 2020. Yet even against the backdrop of the pandemic, they continued to advance the University’s research and teaching mission.

Student and faculty scholars from across the disciplines pushed the boundaries of discovery. The University implemented new initiatives to support Brown students and members of the broader community. And individuals from across campus worked to address the world’s most pressing issues, from global climate change to anti-Black racism to economic inequality and more.

As 2020 comes to a close, here in reverse chronological order are 23 of Brown’s most noteworthy and well-read stories of the year.