The University of Glasgow has been awarded more than £1 million by the Scottish Government to undertake rapid Covid-19 research.
The funding will allow the university to start work on nine crucial coronavirus projects which will contribute to global efforts to combat the virus and its wider effects.
Research will be undertaken in key areas including treatments for the virus, underlying health conditions, secondary infections and the long terms effects of social distancing on the population.
Last month a rapid research response call was launched by the government’s Chief Scientist Office, aimed at increasing the understanding of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fifteen Scottish universities and research institutions have since been awarded a shared £5 million to fund 55 different coronavirus projects, with Glasgow University receiving the highest total funding amount.
Professor Iain McInnes, Director of the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, said: “I am delighted that scientists at the University of Glasgow are able to contribute so greatly to this rapid research call by the Scottish Government.
“It is vitally important that we understand as much as we can about this virus, including how we can successfully treat it, and the effect it is having on patients. It is also important that we understand the wider impacts of the pandemic, and I am certain our world-leading researchers will be able to provide key insights that will help the global fight against this disease.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Scotland is home to some of the most respected researchers and scientists in the world. COVID-19 is the biggest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes and it is vital that we capture the potential of the extraordinarily strong research base here to contribute to the global efforts to tackle and mitigate the impact of it.
“I know many academics are already thinking about how their research can be used during this national and international emergency. This funding enables universities and research institutions to immediately draw on the very best science and methodologies available to build on our understanding of this virus, develop new treatments, stop infection and support people’s mental and physical health.”
The Rapid Research in COVID-19 funding call was launched by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office on 25 March 2020.
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