About
The Trinity COVID-19 Immunology Research hub seeks to utilize its world-class immunology expertise to provide research-based solutions to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 Immunology Research Hub
This ambitious project, which has received funding from Science Foundation Ireland, Allied Irish Bank and other sources, is led by Professor Kingston Mills, Professor of Experimental Immunology, Director of Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, and Professor Aideen Long, Professor in Molecular Medicine, Director of Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, with support by the Clinical Research Facility at St. James’s Hospital.
The project brings together leading immunologists and clinical specialists to create a centre of excellence on the Immunology of COVID-19 by focusing on three critical areas:
- Diagnostics – develop novel rapid nucleic acid-based detection methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 and antibody and T cell assays to investigate host immune response to infection
- Immune Response – investigate the immune and inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 in different patient cohorts (male/female, young/old, immunocompromised etc)
- Therapeutics and Vaccines – develop novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic and vaccine approaches that induce T cells as well as antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Through its collaborations with other prestigious international institutions, including the Whitehead Institute, Harvard and the Institut Pasteur, the research hub aims to make meaningful contributions in the global fight against COVID-19.
Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, with support by the Clinical Research Facility at St. James’s Hospital
Management & Governance
The COVID-19 Immunology hubs management team has overall responsibility for implementing the strategic plan of the research hub and ensure successful use of the research funding. The management team reports to the hubs advisory board and Science Foundation Ireland. The hubs advisory board is comprised of independent individuals with a broad range of experience across industry, academia and clinical specialities.
COVID-19 Immunology Management Team
Professor Kingston Mills and Professor Aideen Long co-lead the COVID-19 research hub and have overall responsibility to ensure the successful use of the research funding, they report to the advisory board and funding agencies.
Two program managers, Margaret Needham (TBSI) and Dr William McCormack (TTMI/SJH) assist with the day to day operational responsibilities of the research hub, including personnel, health and safety, financial management, project management, and interactions with key stakeholders.