Bristol's research response

A group of Bristol researchers, led by Dr David Matthews and Dr Andrew Davidson, have been working on the human coronavirus since 2002. Their work on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID- 19, is focused on understanding the pathogenesis of the virus – how it causes disease, and how it interacts with our bodies. This work – taking place in Bristol in one of only two specialist labs in the UK – is critical to the development of diagnostic tools, drugs and vaccines to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside this human coronavirus research, Bristol’s researchers in the fields of immunology, infectious diseases and public health are contributing to the world’s understanding and control of the pandemic:

• Biochemists, biologists and computer scientists are exploring how the ‘virus-like particle’, created as part of the ADDomer vaccine platform, could combat the COVID-19 virus.
• Epidemiologists are establishing key studies to track the symptoms and prevalence of the pandemic among large population cohorts.
• Researchers across disciplines are exploring the impact the pandemic is having on society, including in education, the economy, mental health and physical activity.

Find out more about Bristol’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The impact of alumni support

The extraordinary generosity of Bristol’s supporter community has enabled the University to act quickly to scale up our research on COVID-19:

• Donations from alumni and friends have funded a new incubator for Dr Matthews' and Dr Davidson’s laboratory, where researchers are growing SARS-CoV-2 and working to understand its behaviour.
• Generous gifts have also funded the preparation of another high-security laboratory at our Langford campus, to facilitate research into the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV2.
• The response to our appeal has enabled us to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment for our laboratories, including a microscope for the rapid imaging and screening of cells; an instrument to measure immune responses to infection and vaccination; and an instrument which prepares cell samples for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.
• Alumni have also contributed to the funding for researchers distributed by the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, enabling researchers across the University to apply their expertise to the pandemic.

Donate now to support this critical work.

Supporting students during the pandemic

Many Bristol students have been profoundly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Some have lost crucial part-time jobs, some are unable to travel home, and for others, the University is their home, so they remain in halls or private accommodation at a time when most of their friends have left.

Bristol alumni have already risen to the challenge of helping the University support our current students. You have contributed generously to the coronavirus student hardship fund, established to help students experiencing the financial impact of the pandemic. We are so grateful for your support.

Donate to student support to help students affected by the pandemic