Victorian Critical Vaccinees Collection

13 Dec 2022

VC2 COVID-19 Research Seed Funding Grants

The VC2 COVID-19 Research Seed Funding Grant round attracted applications from diverse researchers across Victoria.

The VC2 Scientific Review Committee conducted a robust review and selection process which included community review and involvement. This process preferenced Early Career Researchers within 10 years post-PhD.

Four applications were successful in their request for both funds and research samples from the VC2 biobank.

The successful applications were:

  • Dr Yi (David) Ju (RMIT) for the project ‘Exploring COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-induced PEG immunogenicity’
  • Dr Kevin Selva (Doherty Institute) for the project ‘Influence of antibody host genetics and imprinting upon COVID-19 immunity in the elderly’
  • Dr Victoria Hall (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) for the project ‘ matched cohort study to assess prevention of COVID-19 in patients with haematological malignancy who have received pre-exposure prophylaxis with Evusheld (Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab), the CO-EVALUATE study’
  • Professor Eugene Athan (Barwon Health/Deakin University) for the project ‘Inflammatory cytokine profiles in a Victorian long-term cohort of patients recovered from SARS CoV-2 compared to a vaccinated control group’

The Scientific Review Committee was impressed with the quality of applications. The Committee extends its congratulations to all successful applicants and looks forward to seeing the outcomes in due course.