In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia Tech researchers and scientists initiated numerous research projects in an effort to support the local community and to affect humanity on a global scale.

To support COVID-related research and provide immediate support for Virginia Tech researchers, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation collaborated with Virginia Tech institutes and colleges to establish a COVID-19 Rapid Response Seed Fund. Faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to submit proposals that utilized their expertise to identify problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic and seek partnerships with interdisciplinary researchers, industry, and federal agencies to create novel solutions needed now and in the future.

“The pandemic provides an unprecedented opportunity to mobilize Virginia Tech expertise to provide rapid innovation of solutions,” said Don Taylor, interim vice president for research and innovation. “I am grateful to Matt Hulver for leading this effort to design the fund program that allowed our researchers to quickly shift gears and work on various COVID-related projects.”

Hulver joined the Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech as executive director in March and at a time of critical need for the research organization. He currently leads the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team that seeks to identify and provide opportunities for Virginia Tech researchers. In his role with Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Hulver will work to shape the new vision and programs by leveraging existing strength and developing a strategic plan to enhance resources for Virginia Tech’s life sciences community.

To learn more, check out the whole article below.

https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2020/06/research-coved-seed-fund-projects.html