It will lead to the development of innovative and transformative solutions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic

Eight teams, consisting of researchers from India and the United States, have received awards to pursue cutting-edge research in pathogenesis and disease management of COVID-19 through Indo-US virtual networks.

The teams are among the best few who had submitted proposals in response to an invitation of proposals to harness the combined expertise of the Indian and US Science & Technology communities, facilitate partnerships between teams of India and US scientists and engineers engaged in COVID-19-related research.

Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and IUSSTF India Co-Chair, said an overwhelming response in a short time to the special call on COVID-19 demonstrates a wide spectrum of cooperation between India and US, according to an official statement..

Dr Nandini Kannan, Executive Director IUSSTF, pointed out that global challenges call for global collaborations and partnerships, a shared vision bringing together the best and brightest scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to work together to find a solution.

“Through the sharing of expertise across scientific communities and geographic boundaries, the Indo-US Virtual networks will enable breakthroughs,” the Executive Director said. It will lead to the development of innovative and transformative solutions to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

The areas of research include antiviral coatings, immune modulation, tracking SARS CoV-2 in wastewater, disease detection mechanisms, reverse genetics strategies and drug repurposing.