Uni gets £500,000 to investigate pandemic
Experts will look at impact on kids and the vulnerable
Stirling University will lead 10 major projects investigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic after receiving almost £500,000 in funding from the Scottish Government.
The projects – announced by the Health Secretary on Tuesday – will be led by scientists from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Under the programme of activity, Stirling experts will consider the impact of the virus on vulnerable children and young people across Scotland; carers and support workers; people with an alcohol or drugs dependency; those experiencing homelessness; older adults; and licensed premises.
University principal and vicechancellor, Professor Gerry McCormac said: “University of Stirling researchers are at the forefront of efforts to inform Scotland’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, understanding the impact of Covid-19 on aspects of our health, wellbeing, society and the economy.
“These 10 projects – together with the wider package of investment in research at institutions across Scotland – demonstrate the critical part that Scotland’s higher education sector is playing in responding to this unprecedented crisis, and the essential role of our universities in driving forward Scotland’s recovery.”
Professor Judith Phillips, deputy principal (research), said: “Our experts here at Stirling can provide a vital insight into the health and social implications of the Covid-19 pandemic – and make a difference not only here in Scotland but around the world too.”
The Rapid Research in Covid-19 funding call was launched by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office last month and successful applicants were chosen by an independent expert panel.
In total, 55 rapid research projects will be launched across 15 Scottish universities and institutions, to contribute to global efforts to combat the virus and its wider effects. They are in a position to begin immediately and complete within a six-month timeframe.
Stirling will lead a total of 10 projects – the most awarded to a university in the funding round – to the value of £480,707.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Scotland is home to some of the most respected researchers and scientists in the world. Covid-19 is the biggest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes and it is vital that we capture the potential of the extraordinarily strong research base here to contribute to the global efforts to tackle and mitigate the impact of it.
“I know many academics are already thinking about how their research can be used during this national and international emergency. This funding enables universities and research institutions to immediately draw on the very best science and methodologies available to build on our understanding of this virus, develop new treatments, stop infection and support people’s mental and physical health.”
An army of University of Stirling staff and student nurses have also answered the call to provide frontline support to NHS workers – with the students beginning work earlier this week.
In recent weeks, the university has loaned beds to Scotland’s new temporary hospital facility; donated 3D printers to aid the production of personal protective equipment; its experts have been delivering potentially life-saving advice to social workers tackling the pandemic; students have been offering educational support to school pupils and parents in the absence of classes; and Stirling Sports Union clubs have raised hundreds of pounds for the United Nations Foundation.
Stirling will lead a total of 10 projects – the most awarded to a university in the funding round