QUEEN'S PLAYS KEY ROLE IN CONSORTIUM TO DELIVER COVID-19 TESTING  

20 April 2020

Queen’s has joined forces with Ulster University and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to significantly increase the Department of Health’s capacity for diagnostic testing of the coronavirus.

The consortium has recently been established by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and is led by Professor Stuart Elborn Pro Vice-Chancellor for Medicine Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s.

Professor Elborn said: “It is crucial that we all work together to tackle this pandemic so are pleased to be leading this consortium with such valuable partners to support the Department of Health by increasing the capacity of diagnostic testing.

“The combined expertise of Queen’s, UU and AFBI will make a significant contribution.”

Testing is due to begin at AFBI’s laboratories in Stormont shortly for an initial period of 12 weeks, closely supported by Queen’s and their combined expertise and equipment is expected to make a significant impact on testing capacity.

It is hoped that in due course, the centre will be capable of conducting up to 1,000 tests per day. Ulster University is working closely with the Western Trust to increase their testing capacity in the North West.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “All those bodies who have stepped forward to assist with increasing our testing capacity will play a crucial part in enhancing our armoury as we fight against covid-19. 

“I wish to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to colleagues in AFBI, Queen’s and Ulster Universities and I also pass on the thanks of my frontline staff and the community as a whole for their efforts.”

Taking a leading role in this consortium is the latest example of Queen’s playing its part in the fight against COVID-19 (coronavirus).

COVID-19 rapid response innovation fund 

Your support will help our work to produce innovative protective equipment for healthcare workers as well as using simulation-based training to equip our students in the healthcare professions with the skills and confidence required for their early entry into the mainline workforce.

If you would like to support the University in its efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

During the COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ Queen’s Development and Alumni Relations Office will endeavour to remain in contact with graduates and donors, and to promote online networking initiatives, to keep alumni and supporters connected.

Media enquiries can be sent to the Communications Officer at Queen’s University Belfast. 

For more information about Queen's work in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus, visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/coronavirus/ 

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