A global coalition for epidemic innovation is awarding researchers on the University of Saskatchewan‘s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) $6 million for his or her work all through the COVID-19 pandemic and past.
It’s the first-ever award that the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has given to a Canadian college.
The funding is not going to solely assist with present COVID-19 vaccine research and growth for decrease earnings nations, but in addition with future illness and pandemic responses.
VIDO officers say they’re well-positioned to quickly be a world hub for infectious illness response, and are already thought of the main centre of Canada’s response.
“Simply over the past 18 months alone, we’ve labored with over 100 completely different corporations and teams and organizations from all world wide on discovering options to COVID-19,” mentioned Volter Gerdts, VIDO Director and CEO.
“So not solely have we now developed our personal vaccine, which you already know is now in scientific trials, however we’re additionally serving to others to guage their applied sciences.”
Officers from the College of Saskatchewan shared pleasure over the award and the work it has taken the VIDO crew to get so far.
“Even earlier than COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, VIDO’s skilled crew was the primary in Canada to isolate the virus, develop a mannequin of the illness, and have a candidate vaccine in pre-clinical testing,” defined USask vice-president of analysis Baljit Singh.
Each federal and provincial innovation ministries are additionally anticipating this funding will propel Canada and Saskatchewan to the forefront and strengthen the nation’s pandemic preparedness.
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