Ulster University: against COVID-19 ^University

1. 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 for this specific purpose and is led by Professor Stuart Elborn, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Medicine Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s who said.
Testing is due to begin at AFBI’s laboratories in Stormont very 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 are 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. 2. "Professors Tara Moore and Jim McLaughlin from Ulster University have now joined the UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC) via local company CIGA Healthcare.
It is hoped a successful test will determine whether people have developed immunity after contracting the virus.
Along with three other companies and the University of Oxford, a six-month memorandum of understanding has been agreed to develop and manufacture the test.
If successful, manufacturing can take place with each company, including at a site in Northern Ireland.
Professor John Newton, national coordinator of the UK coronavirus testing programme, also warned the public against purchasing unapproved tests.
Officials are working to produce a reliable test which can be used in the community and help to end lockdown safely. https://echalliance.com/echalliance-director-prof-jim-mclaughlin-has-been-appointed-to-help-the-government-develop-a-coronavirus-antibody-test/"