University counts machines and assess spaces available
Photo: Marco Favero/Agência RBS
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (Propesq) of PUCRS is counting the number and assessing the conditions of the University’s ultrafreezers that may store, at a temperature of -80°C, the coronavirus vaccines. The logistics, access and the effective and safe immunization strategies are being widely discussed by health authorities. These bodies, representing the municipal, state and federal governments, have been in contact with the institution.
According to the Dean of Research, Dr. Fernanda Morrone, Propesq should finish the study and inform health authorities and entities of PUCRS’ interest in participating in the processes in the coming weeks. “We want to continue collaborating in this stage of the vaccination process, which is so important for the fight against Covid-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our researchers from different areas have been trying to find answers to reduce the impact of the disease on society”, she points out.
Up until now, machines with a capacity from 333l – 370l have been mapped. PUCRS will also join forces with UFRGS and Unisinos, through the Alliance of Innovation, to make more machines available. Read more: Study by PUCRS and University of Toronto looks at new Covid-19 treatment
In March this year, PUCRS created a multidisciplinary task force with more than 50 researchers and 12 groups involved in the search for solutions to different issues associated with Covid-19. “Today, there are more than 40 ongoing projects in progress at the University. Some of these projects are being developed in collaboration with other national and international higher education institutions”, Morrone adds.
The President of PUCRS, Dr. Evilázio Teixeira, reinforces that PUCRS is ready to make a contribution in such an important moment like this, as it did throughout the pandemic, in several fronts. “We are looking into the ultrafreezers and, at the same time, on several other initiatives with our researchers. In March, the University assembled a multidisciplinary task force which has made a meaningful contribution in clinical trials for the production of a vaccine and for quick and accessible tests for the population. The institution has also donated more than 17,500 face shields to over 130 institutions across the country”, she points out.
