image: The Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-Net), led by the University of Ottawa’s Marc-André Langlois, has received a $9-million grant extension from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to continue its rapid research efforts on variants of concern and variants of interest. view more
Credit: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
The Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-Net), led by the University of Ottawa’s Marc-André Langlois, has received a $9-million grant extension from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to continue its rapid research efforts on variants of concern and variants of interest.
Since the Network’s inception earlier this year, studying and understanding variants of concern – including Delta and, more recently, Omicron – have become key factors in bringing COVID-19 under control.
“Scientists around the world have seen how important it is to quickly share findings and engage with interdisciplinary scientists to study SARS-CoV-2 variants from various perspectives. This renewed funding from the CIHR will allow our Network to continue this vital work, particularly at this time when Omicron is causing so much concern,” says Dr. Langlois, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and CoVaRR-Net Executive Director.
CoVaRR-Net scientists in over 90 teams across Canada have been involved in an array of key studies and experiments on variants. They have kept policymakers informed of their latest findings and have made recommendations to public health authorities to keep Canadians safe. Many of its scientists have made themselves available for media interviews to help Canadians better understand the science behind the variants and their impact on their lives.
About CoVaRR-Net
The Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-Net) is a network of interdisciplinary researchers from institutions across the country created to assist in the Government of Canada’s overall strategy to address the potential threat of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our mandate is to coordinate, facilitate, support, and accelerate rapid response research throughout Canada. As Omicron emerged, CoVaRR-Net members across the country spurred into action and rapidly mobilized to help understand Omicron and the risks and threats it poses to Canadians.