Western University. (File Photo by Victoria Sartor, BlackburnNews.com)Western University. (File Photo by Victoria Sartor, BlackburnNews.com)
London

Western launches $1M pandemic research fund

Western University has created a $1 million fund for researchers trying to develop best societal practices for surviving pandemics.

The new catalyst fund is open to scientists studying a range of projects aimed at building resilience and recovery from disease outbreaks like the current COVID-19 pandemic or any that may arise in the future.

"We have a lot of really smart, talented people at Western and they can apply their skills and knowledge to this pandemic and to pandemics of the future,” Western’s Acting Vice-President of Research Sarah Prichard said in a statement. “We’re encouraging them to pivot from their usual thinking and apply their skills to the many pandemic-related issues facing society."

As many as 20 interdisciplinary research projects could be funded through the new grant, with money expected to start rolling out by May 6.

The application and grant process will be done in two phases, both to be completed this year.

"We have COVID-19 research taking place at Western that is about isolating the virus and finding a vaccine, but there are many other elements that we need to understand as well,” said Prichard. “Resiliency for the next pandemic could also mean finding better ways to manage feelings of isolation or building more online resources for visual arts and I know our researchers have much to contribute."

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