‘Alberta Innovates brings together the best ideas and the brightest minds to accelerate solutions to challenges like the pandemic’
Alberta is investing $2.1 million through Alberta Innovates to support province-based researchers for seven innovative technology projects that will help fight COVID-19.
“Alberta is home to innovative thinkers, world-class researchers and exceptional problem solvers. In our response to COVID-19, Albertans are once again demonstrating that the skills and technology exist right here in our province to tackle any challenge,” said Doug Schweitzer, minister of jobs, economy and innovation. “We are proud to support these Alberta-based projects that are finding new ways to understand and combat the spread of COVID-19.”
The funding was divided among the following:
- Jie Chen at the University of Alberta received $304,200 for the development and clinical validation of a rapid COVID-19 antibody detection device.
- Andrei Drabovich at the University of Alberta received $182,098 for design and standardization of serology testing.
- Matthias Hoben at the University of Alberta received $328,376 to study the experiences and support needs of COVID-19 caregivers at assisted living facilities.
- Jia Hu at the University of Calgary received $392,080 to study how COVID-19 has changed behaviours through a targeted marketing campaign.
- Mark Lewis at the University of Alberta received $220,545 (supported through Alberta Health’s Pfizer Alberta Collaboration) to research predicting and managing COVID-19’s pandemic dynamics using machine learning.
- Ken Parhar at the University of Calgary received $362,285 to evaluate how lying in prone position (flat with the chest down) may treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients.
- Puneeta Tandon at the University of Alberta received $326,297 to study appropriately connecting vulnerable outpatients with multidisciplinary care once released from hospital.
A panel of provincial partners, including experts from Alberta Innovates, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services, chose the projects based on their potential to improve Albertans’ safety against COVID-19. Five of the chosen projects will be at the University of Alberta and two will be at the University of Calgary.
“Providing innovative solutions to the challenges we face as a province is core to what we do at the University of Alberta. This critical funding from the Government of Alberta and Alberta Innovates will help our researchers carry out their work in the rapid detection, management, and reduction of the transmission of COVID-19. Thank you to Ministers Schweitzer and Nicolaides for their leadership in supporting this important research,” said Bill Flanagan, president and vice-chancellor, University of Alberta.
“Vital funding from Alberta Innovates will help UCalgary play a key role in partnership and collaboration with other post-secondary institutions to be a part of the solution to address global health challenges due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Our researchers have been actively working to accelerate the development, testing and implementation of countermeasures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and its consequences on people and communities,” said Ed McCauley, president, University of Calgary.
Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates is an arms-length government agency that reports to the minister of jobs, economy and innovation. It invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive provincial economic growth and diversity. The agency works with researchers, industry and entrepreneurs to move Alberta to a lower-carbon future, enhance the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans.
Alberta Innovates provides technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice and support, opportunities for partnerships, and funding to advance the best ideas. It supports a broad range of research and innovation activity – from discovery to use. Collaboration is at the heart of what Alberta Innovates does – bringing together bright minds and great ideas to drive innovation.
“COVID-19 has highlighted the connection between health and economic wellbeing, as well as the ways in which both are lifted through research and innovation. Alberta Innovates brings together the best ideas and the brightest minds to accelerate solutions to challenges like the pandemic,” said Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates. “These additional seven projects are driving innovative solutions to improve outcomes around prevention, detection, care and recovery for Albertans.”
COVID-19 continues to be a threat to the health of workers and the public. Last week, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group published new research on COVID-19 and the workplace. CSA Group compiled its findings in a report entitled “Workplaces and COVID-19: Occupational Health and Safety Considerations for Reopening during the Pandemic”.
Manitoba, Ontario and other provinces are also investing to ensure the safety of staff and students in schools, still in relation to the coronavirus.
