U of T launches action fund to support high-impact research in battle against COVID-19

As the world’s health-care systems bend under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Toronto community – researchers, clinicians, students and alumni – are marshalling their expertise to combat the spread of the virus and find solutions to the global crisis.

U of T researchers have isolated and reproduced the novel coronavirus in a lab to accelerate the search for diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. Others are working to scale up testing and production of critical materials and equipment. Still others have built computer models to estimate the disease’s spread, while U of T experts across the academic spectrum are sharing advice with government and the public as the country takes unprecedented measures to mitigate the virus’s impact and save lives.

Given the urgency and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, U of T is launching an action fund to support research that will make near-term contributions to the fight against the virus. The university has already invested $5 million in the new Toronto COVID-19 Action Fund and is aiming to match that amount with a call for donations.

U of T has also issued a call to faculty for research proposals by March 30. 

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Story by: Geoffrey Vendeville
Photo by: Johnny Guatto