Cambridge University at the heart of the search for a coronavirus vaccine
Cambridge University has been at the forefront of countless scientific breakthroughs. From hovercraft to to heart transplants, the university, and its associated institutions, have been pushing the boundaries of science and technology for generations.
The city’s brightest and most innovative minds are currently facing their biggest challenge yet: finding a vaccine for COVID-19. Scientists and academics at the university are working hard to find something that will stop coronavirus in its tracks and help make the world that little bit safer.
Cambridge leads the way
Cambridge University has always had an excellent reputation when it comes to research and development. The city has produced some of the biggest inventions and innovations of all time, changing the lives of millions of people around the world in the process.
As Cambridge has such a stellar reputation, it’s no surprise that the scientific community often look to the city when breakthroughs are required.
The race for a vaccine
With COVID-19 currently ravaging countries around the world, a scientific breakthrough is needed now more than ever. Around the globe, a huge number of people, and a vast amount of resources are already being directed towards hunting for a vaccine. As @nature says, “More than 90 vaccines are being developed against SARS-CoV-2 by research teams in companies and universities across the world.”
With so many talented researchers, including those based at Cambridge University, working to find a vaccine, it’s hope that it will be just a matter of time before an effective treatment is developed.
Vaccine trial
While no vaccine has yet been developed, there are some very interesting projects underway. One of the most exciting breakthroughs in the race for a COVID-19 vaccine has come about as the result of a collaboration between Oxford University and Cambridge-based pharmaceutical giant, AstraZeneca.
The teams behind the project are hopeful that their vaccine will prove to be effective against COVID-19. If it works, the vaccine will be mass produced by AstraZeneca and distributed to patients around the world.
The Oxford University–AstraZeneca project has received an impressive £20 million in government funding, and hundreds of people have already volunteered to take part in human trials. It’s hoped that these trials go well and Cambridge-based AstraZenenca will mass produce the drug and make it available for use around the world.
Cambridge University is home to some of the brightest minds on the planet. This makes the city perfectly placed to lead the fight against COVID-19.
Find out more about the University of Cambridge, and the unique and exciting things happening in the city, by exploring our site or getting in touch with a member of our friendly team.