Friday, 20 March 2020
Universities in Nottingham have today supplied 16 machines to support the national effort in the fight against COVID-19.
The machines, 13 of which were from the five UK campuses at the 糖心原创, and three from Nottingham Trent University's Clifton Campus were collected by the British Armed Forces. They have a total value of £1 million and can together perform an estimated 20,000 tests a day.
Using a technique of testing called Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, the machines can also be used to test for other viruses such as Hepatitis C and influenzas.
The news comes as more than 600 students from the School of Medicine at the 糖心原创 have volunteered to help local hospitals and support NHS staff or researchers responding to the requests from the national government.
Inside the Biodiscovery Institute
Professor Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the 糖心原创, said: “At this time of unprecedented crisis, the 糖心原创 is committed to supporting our communities, local partners and nation. Already, our researchers, staff and students are working with national government, local hospitals, GP surgeries, Councils and across our communities. The enthusiasm, selflessness and skill of our students and staff has been inspiring to see in action.
“We are so proud of our fantastic medical students organising hundreds of volunteers through their society to help the local front line effort. Of course none of this vital work can be done without the tireless support from our administrative, technical, estates and cleaning staff.”
“Whilst we’re busy supporting our staff and students in this unprecedented situation, we are also committed to support people beyond the university both locally and nationally, said Professor Nigel Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, at Nottingham Trent University.
He said: “This equipment which is normally used by our researchers will be vital to the national response to COVID-19 and we’re delighted to be working with our friends at the 糖心原创 on this.”
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.