News and Announcements:
Dr. Cullis’ and Colleagues’ Work on mRNA Wins Global Sci-Tech Award
UBC’s Dr. Pieter Cullis has been co-awarded the inaugural VinFuture Grand Prize, presented by Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Mr. Pham Minh Chinh. The award recognizes the contributions of Drs. Cullis, Katalin Kariko, and Drew Weissman to mRNA technology that paved the way for effective COVID-19 vaccines. For more information, please visit med.ubc.ca.
Image credit: Pexels
New Evidence for COVID-19 Detection With Point-of-Care Ultrasound
A recent study, led by Dr. Teresa Tsang, summarizes evidence for why point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) technology could be a leading, next-generation part of COVID-19 care. The technology is a more rapid alternative to traditional, larger ultrasound machines. For more information, please visit vchri.ca.
UBC Scientists’ World-First Molecular Analysis of Omicron Spike Protein
Dr. Sriram Subramaniam’s team at UBC conducted analysis at near atomic resolution using a cryo-electron microscope to reveal how Omicron infects human cells and is highly evasive of immunity. The findings shed new light on why the heavily mutated variant is highly transmissible. For more information, please visit med.ubc.ca.
Remdesivir Found to Reduce Need for COVID-19 Mechanical Ventilation
The Canadian Treatments for COVID-19 (CATCO) trial found remdesivir reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients, when compared with standard of care. Led by BC Children’s Hospital investigator Dr. Srinivas Murthy, the CATCO trial is a substudy of the World Health Organization Solidarity trial examining COVID-19 treatments. For more information, please visit www.bcchr.ca.
Rapid Antigen Self-Test Available in Canada Following UBC Research
Research compiled with data from UBC’s first on-campus clinical study contributed to the availability of a new self-administered rapid antigen test in Canada. Principal investigator Dr. Sabrina Wong and fellow researchers surveyed 689 participants at UBC’s Vancouver campus as part of a larger study to assess rapid antigen testing among asymptomatic adults in Canada. For more information, please visit med.ubc.ca.
Funding Opportunities:
NFRF Call to Support Research for Postpandemic Recovery
New Frontiers in Research Fund has launched Special Call: “Research for Post-Pandemic Recovery,” aiming to mobilize Canadian-led research efforts in support of a more equitable, sustainable and resilient postpandemic reality. A commitment of $24 million has been assigned for this special call to support two-year grants valued at up to $500,000.
Notice of intent deadline: 26 April, 2022.
For more information, please visit sshrc-crsh.gc.ca.
Resources for Investigators:
Image credit: Pexels
Join us for this free online accredited educational session where highly experienced and knowledgeable public health leaders and medical experts will answer your questions, share their experiences and recommend best practices in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event date and time: 6 April 2022, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM PST.
For more information, please visit ubccpd.ca.
Omicron and Other Variants of Concern: Finding Our Way Forward
Join us for a panel discussion with Canadian Immunity Task Force-funded experts researching variants of concern, held in collaboration with the Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-Net).
Event date and time: 23 February 2022, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PST.
For more information, please visit covid19immunitytaskforce.ca.