Funding of almost £5million is being put towards research in 15 Scottish Universities by the Scottish Government in projects related to the Covid19 pandemic. The projects cover a range of research from new methods of testing to exploring wellbeing and the impact of social distancing.

Professor David  Crossman, Chief Scientist for Health  said:

“The range of projects – both scientific subject areas and the different research institutions – that are receiving funding will help us understand many aspects of this terrible disease. The projects selected for funding all aim to give results as quickly as possible.”

List of Funded Projects

• University of Aberdeen: 6 projects, £972,870
• University of Dundee: 2 projects, £487,710
• University of Edinburgh: 8 projects, £603,500
• Glasgow Caledonian University: 3 projects, £136,290
• University of Glasgow: 9 projects, £1,025,458
• Institute of Occupational Medicine: 1 project, £206,300
• Edinburgh Napier University: 3 projects, £166,826
• Queen Margaret University: 2 projects, £92,424
• Robert Gordon University: 1 project, £55,789
• University of St Andrews: 3 projects, £132,719
• University of Strathclyde: 4 projects, £355,096
• Scotland’s Rural College: 1 project, £36,118
• University of Stirling: 10 projects, £480,707
• University of the Highlands and Islands: 1 project, £44,581
• University of the West of Scotland: 1 project, £128,882

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 scientists, clinicians, 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 awarding of almost £1 million of new funding will help our researchers to play their part in Scotland’s fight against COVID-19.

“Scottish Universities have an important role to play in developing new ways of testing treating and managing the novel Corona virus.”

The University of Aberdeen research projects will 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, £223,676
• Development of sensitive, rapid and high-throughput antibody assays for COVID-1, led by Professor Mirela Delibegovic £101,903
• Minimising impact on vulnerable patients: data-driven design, monitoring and adaptation of COVID and non-COVID clinical care pathways, led by Professor Corri Black, £76,212
• 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, £197,080
• Protecting population physical & mental health during the coronavirus pandemic: A representative national weekly survey to understand changes, led by Professor Diane Dixon, £325,458
• 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, £48,541

In total there are 55 rapid research projects in the Rapid Research in COVID-19 funding awards. The projects are starting now and will last 6 months