Pitt Responds to a Deadly Virus, Again

It would be nearly impossible to list or even count the ways University of Pittsburgh researchers contributed to the global effort to treat, prevent and address the consequences of COVID-19. Pitt researchers were principal and co-principal investigators on hundreds of papers, while researchers far beyond the University used simulation, mRNA, genomic and other techniques developed by Pitt researchers. The University was one of the largest sites in the United States for vaccine trials and clinical treatments as part of the COVID-19 Prevention Network and Operation Warp Speed, a partnership between the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Defense aimed at accelerating the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Pitt continues to be at the forefront of ongoing trials, including pediatric trials, as the research into vaccines evolves along with the virus. 

Pitt was awarded more than $385 million to undertake more than 180 research projects, including clinical and vaccine trials. 

Pitt’s health science and public health research enterprise pivoted to COVID work at the beginning of the pandemic. Eventually, COVID research reached far beyond health-related sciences to areas like business and economics. 

Pitt was awarded more than $385 million to undertake more than 180 research projects, including clinical and vaccine trials. Researchers throughout Pitt stepped up to study a range of COVID-related issues, such as medical innovations in vaccine delivery, impacts of COVID infection on children, the evaluations of health care worker exposure and the role of social media in vaccine hesitancy. 

Pitt’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute awarded $900,000 to 17 studies to address different aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To help get work launched as quickly as possible, Pitt’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) launched the COVID-19 Pilot Grant Program to help fund pandemic-related research. More than 150 projects were submitted for grant consideration, representing 590 unique investigators from 14 different Pitt schools and more than 90 Pitt departments, divisions, centers and institutes. CTSI awarded $900,000 to 17 studies to