University of Minnesota Infectious Diseases Unit Received $ 25,000 to continue his research on COVID-19 and education.
The University Center for Infectious Diseases and Research Policy (CIDRAP) researches and produces online content such as videos, news articles and podcasts on infectious diseases. In recent months, CIDRAP has focused almost exclusively on COVID-19.
This grant from the Carlson Family Foundation, a Minnesota-based philanthropic group affiliated with the University's Carlson School of Management, will help the group of about 30 people who work at CIDRAP continue their work, said Carlos Cruz, director of operations. by CIDRAP.
“I would say that actually any funding we receive or any gift we receive… is critical,” Cruz said. “In the current climate, with several universities going through difficult financial situations, the great amount of support that we have received from the foundations and the public has been quite admirable and we are really grateful for all the support that we have, because we really could not do what we do without the support of other foundations ”.
The additional funding was not expected, said Jim Wappes, CIDRAP's editorial director. There was no application process as is typical for many grants.
“It was completely unexpected and highly appreciated that they had some year-end funding that [the Carlson Family Foundation] then said, 'We really want to support the CIDRAP effort,'” Wappes said.
The $ 25,000 grant will be used to cover CIDRAP's general operating costs, including news and research production costs and employee salaries.
The unit's coverage consists of articles, large reports covering different aspects of COVID-19, and a podcast with Michael Osterholm, Director of CIDRAP, discussing new research related to the pandemic. Osterholm was recently added to President-elect Joe Biden's COVID-19 task force.
Osterholm does not "sugarcoat" the pandemic, which has had a huge impact on the community, Wappes said.
“I think this is what really resonates with people: he provides a deep humanity, he's not just a scientist, he cares about people, which we know, but it's great to see that the country and the world understand that aspect of Dr. Osterholm, is an accomplished communicator, "said Wappes.
CIDRAP also participates in scientific research, sometimes in collaboration with external laboratories, in addition to publishing informative content.
The office is currently investigating the infectious dose of COVID-19, or the amount of the virus that is necessary for a person to become infected. Using this information, researchers can be better informed about the effectiveness of wearing masks, Wappes said.
The Carlson Family Foundation decided to make this contribution to CIDRAP to support its ongoing research and education during the pandemic.
"In addition to being an integral part of the health, safety and well-being of our community, CIDRAP is a world leader in treating the response to infectious diseases," said C. David Nelson, executive director of the Carlson Family Foundation at a statement emailed to the Minnesota Daily. "Dr. Michael Osterholm has demonstrated continued leadership in the fight against COVID-19, and the work of the Center is especially important as we navigate a pandemic that is disproportionately affecting the health and economic stability of people of color."
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