(Photo: Cameron Fitch/UNB)
Thirteen different research projects related to COVID-19 are getting funded for their contributions to the pandemic response efforts.
Roughly $410,000 has been awarded to UNB researchers by the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF), and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“As a leader in research and education, the expertise of our researchers is one of the most vital resources we can help make available to New Brunswick, to Canada, and to the world in this time of pandemic,” said Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB president and vice-chancellor.
“The projects funded today will support, either directly or indirectly, the recovery and well-being of our communities.”
In April, the NBIF and NBHRF sent out a call for research projects which would help to better understand and address any challenges created by the pandemic.
“The health, social and economic implications of this virus are staggering, and I firmly believe that research and innovation is the best way to reduce these negative impacts and prepare for the next pandemic,” said Dr. Laura Richard, Director of Research at NBIF.
Some of the projects from the Saint John campus include studying the effects of disruption to the schedule of those with chronic disease, the public health communications strategy, and the use of computers for remote learning in marginalized communities.
“The response from the research community illustrates that this excellence is in place. We look forward to the contributions they will make to the development of new knowledge and its dissemination to not only the medical community, but the policymakers and the population at large,” said Leah Carr, interim CEO of NBHRF.
UNB’s projects represent nearly half of the projects which were funded.
