Aberdeen COVID-19 research awarded £1 million

Six University of Aberdeen research projects have been awarded almost £1 million by the Scottish Government as part of the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The projects will draw on the region’s strengths in areas including biologics and health data science and its culture of collaborative innovation between life sciences academics, clinicians and companies. The research ranges from the development of new methods of testing for COVID-19 to creating new surveillance models to map the needs of the most vulnerable individuals.

Professor Marion Campbell, Vice-Principal for Research at the University of Aberdeen, said: “The successful programme of COVID-19 research at the University of Aberdeen brings together clinicians, scientists, health services researchers, health psychologists, and public health specialists. The projects will also draw on the expertise and contributions of a number of successful University life science spin-out companies and existing research networks between the University of Aberdeen and other leading research institutions and companies.”

The University of Aberdeen research projects begin in May and run until October. Funding totalling £972,870 has been awarded to the following:

• Re-positioning of drug-discovery approaches to develop point-of-care diagnostic tests for COVID-19, led by Professor Andy Porter
• Development of sensitive, rapid and high-throughput antibody assays for COVID-19, led by Professor Mirela Delibegovic
• Minimising impact on vulnerable patients: data-driven design, monitoring and adaptation of COVID and non-COVID clinical care pathways, led by Professor Corri Black
• To develop evidence-based interventions to support doctors’ well-being and promote resilience during COVID-19 related transitions (and beyond), led by Dr Kim Walker
• Protecting population physical & mental health during the coronavirus pandemic: A representative national weekly survey to understand changes, led by Professor Diane Dixon
• Looking after the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic: a focus on addressing physical activity, loneliness, and help-seeking behaviour, led by Dr Kathryn Martin

For more information, read the full article on the University of Aberdeen website.