MRFF – 2020 COVID-19 Immunological Studies Grant Opportunity

Overview

Applications to this Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Coronavirus Research Response: 2020 COVID-19 Immunological Studies Grant Opportunity must propose research that characterises the immune response across COVID-19 patients with asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical disease. Studying the natural infection and the level of immunity across these patient groups will support: understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted by asymptomatic individuals the development of predictive markers of patient infectivity and to define disease severity understanding the immunological correlates of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection understanding how genetic variation between SARS-CoV-2 isolates (as the virus mutates) effects the immune response of different patient groups. The research should consider population dynamics in Australia and vulnerable population groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with complex and/or chronic health conditions. The intended outcome of this research is knowledge and evidence that will inform the national health response to COVID-19 and support clinical practice, including: targeting interventions such as self-isolation prioritisation of vaccines and / or treatments for high-risk individuals and vulnerable populations. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, timely research outcomes relative to the time required to conduct the appropriate research should be proposed.  This opportunity is supported by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).