Monash University in Australia has announced grants totaling AU$10.8 million (approximately $7.3 million) from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) in support of three research projects designed to improve understanding of COVID-19 and develop new and enhanced treatments.

The Monash projects include a study into antibodies and cellular immune responses after infection or vaccination in healthy and vulnerable people, a coordinated multiplatform randomized trial for hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and pre-clinical testing of novel inhaled RNA therapies for stability, safety, and effectiveness against COVID. The studies were among 14 projects to receive AU$31.5 million ($21.2 million) under the latest round of MRFF grants.

“Monash academics have been at the forefront of COVID-19-related research,” said Monash University president and vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner, “and this funding recognizes the significant contributions they continue to make in this important area. Congratulations to the research teams involved.”

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