World-first COVID-19 research to drive treatment and vaccine

Thanks  to a generous donation from Mr Ian Wall AM (BE 1955) and Mrs Pamela Wall OAM, the University of Adelaide is playing a major role in the investigation into COVID-19 immunity and an international vaccine study. 

We believe in philanthropy and giving back to the community which supported us over our lifetime. This research is particularly important, leading to better health outcomes in Australia and internationally. Mr Ian Wall AM (BE 1955) and Mrs Pamela Wall OAM

Working with COVID-19 recovered patients in South Australia, the world-first research study, also supported by the Hospital Research Foundation and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation, is now part of a large national collaborative consortium across four states in Australia (South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia). 

Led by Senior Virologist Dr Branka Grubor-Bauk, from The University of Adelaide and Basil Hetzel Institute, the research is evaluating the virology and immune responses of hospitalised adult and child patients for three years from symptomology through to recovery. 

“This knowledge will inform which part of the virus a vaccine should target and what kind of immunity response is required to be protected for subsequent infections,” Dr Branka Grubor-Bauk said.

"Conducting this global study with support of, and in collaboration with, esteemed Australian scientists and international collaborators, will drive COVID-19 treatment and vaccine design."