FORSCH! Against the corona virus

The fight against the corona virus and dealing with the social effects of the pandemic are also challenges for Saxon scientists. In a virtual science match, which was also broadcast on the Internet, all state-funded projects have now been presented to the public in compact form. The broad spectrum ranges from sociological studies on the pandemic, also in a historical context, to medical projects that deal with the detection or spread of the virus in the population. Saxony can draw on the very broad research expertise in the state.

Most of the projects are designed to last several years and are intended to develop solutions that will help to better deal with pandemics like the current one in the future. This applies to the scientific basis for socially relevant decisions, but also to very specific medical advances in the treatment of patients with infectious diseases.

In addition to presenting the project to the public, the science match also serves to network and exchange information between researchers. The multidisciplinary view of the various fields of research regularly brings new approaches and perspectives to light. This often results in the potential for further problem solutions and innovative products. That is also the aim of the science match.

Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow followed the project presentations in direct exchange with the researchers. He said after the science match:
»I am always impressed by the efficiency of the Saxon research landscape. This became particularly clear once again using the example of the Corona research projects. They clearly show the social benefits for all of us. The virus has been known for less than a year and we are in the fortunate position of being able to conduct holistic research on it which, as witnessed today, involves so much more than developing a vaccine or effective drugs. I am very grateful to everyone involved for their great commitment and wish them every success in their studies and developments.«

The Free State supports the research projects with a total of around 16 million euros. Based on a decision by the members of the Saxon state parliament, the financial resources will be made available from the Saxon corona management fund.

The live stream was produced and recorded by Sachsen Fernsehen and is on www.coronavirus.sachsen.de and on the website of the Ministry of Science www.smwk.sachsen.de available shortly.

All participating research institutions as well as the individual projects with contacts for further information can be found here here.

Source: Press release from the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism from November 06.11.2020th, XNUMX