In order to enhance Macao’s effective response to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, to strengthen the ability to prevent and control new and emerging infectious diseases, and to provide strong scientific analysis and technological support, the Science and Technology Development Fund (the FDCT) has called for research proposals related to COVID-19 between 10thto 20thof February from universities, research institutions, science and technology enterprises and scientific researchers.
Applications were enthusiastically supported. In just 10 days, a total of 74 project applications were received, including 54 university projects, 16 science and technology enterprise projects, 1 science and technology community project and 3 individual projects. These research projects’ duration ranges from 3 to 12 months. In terms of research content, 42 projects focus on the detection of COVID-19 technology, prevention and treatment and drug research and development, 32 projects mainly focus on the prevention and control mechanism against sudden infectious diseases, post-epidemic social recovery, etc.
The FDCT has immediately organized and arranged the projects to undergo internet assessment by experts, the process is supported by the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health-National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, which is led by Fellow Zhong Nanshan. 42 of the research projects that mainly focus on COVID-19 detection technology, prevention and treatment and drug research and development were entrusted to the center for organizing experts to assist in the review. The review process will be completed swiftly.
The FDCT will continue to coordinate different parties, obtain opinions from professional experts and will approve the projects as soon as possible.We hope that the research can be carried out soon,obtain positive research results and would strengthen the prevention and control of new and emerging infectious diseases in Macao.