(The Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW staff

$2.1 million

Alberta announces funding for COVID-related research

Sep 28, 2020 | 12:20 PM

Seven researchers in Alberta will split $2.1 million as the province ramps up efforts to fight COVID-19.

The researchers at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta were chosen by a panel of provincial partners, who selected the projects based on their potential to improve Albertans’ safety against COVID-19. The research topics include the development of rapid antibody testing and connecting vulnerable outpatients with multidisciplinary care after release from hospital.

Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of advanced education, said driving research and innovation at post-secondary institutions is critical to success. He also stressed the importance of exploring ways to explore ways the strengthen and support the commercialization of research at the institutions and expand their research potential.

“Our institutions have the individuals, the expertise and the knowledge to help us all realize our future goals,” he said at a news conference in Edmonton.

The funding was provided by Alberta Innovates, and the selection panel included experts from Alberta Innovates, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services.

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The projects selected to receive funding:

• Jie Chen at the University of Alberta received $304,200 for the development and clinical validation of a rapid COVID-19 antibody detection device.
• Andrei Drabovich at the University of Alberta received $182,098 for design and standardization of serology testing.
• Matthias Hoben at the University of Alberta received $328,376 to study the experiences and support needs of COVID-19 caregivers at assisted living facilities.
• Jia Hu at the University of Calgary received $392,080 to study how COVID-19 has changed behaviours through a targeted marketing campaign.
• Mark Lewis at the University of Alberta received $220,545 (supported through Alberta Health’s Pfizer Alberta Collaboration) to research predicting and managing COVID-19’s pandemic dynamics using machine learning.
• Ken Parhar at the University of Calgary received $362,285 to evaluate how lying in prone position (flat with the chest down) may treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients.
• Puneeta Tandon at the University of Alberta received $326,297 to study appropriately connecting vulnerable outpatients with multidisciplinary care once released from hospital.