Science: our power to defeat COVID-19

Dear supporters,

We are very happy and proud to share with you the successful outcome of the three research biomedical projects about COVID-19 that, thanks to your generous contributions, Apadrina la Ciencia has managed to facilitate.

In May 20, at the very beginning of the pandemics, the first project (5000 €) was essential to quickly cover diagnostic strategies such as performance of PCRs tests at retirement and nursing homes in Madrid. It saved many lives. The second project (5000€) focused on the use of plants as biofactories to obtain large amounts of viral proteins needed for antibody detection or antibody induction, in such a way that they can contribute to diagnostic kits or vaccines. And the most recent one (5000 €), intended to obtain laboratory reagents needed in the infectivity assays performed to identify new antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2 or in PCR analysis of samples generated in the lab, as well as safety protection equipment imperative to work with the virus in a especial high safety laboratory. Some very promising products have been identified.

As you can see, your donations provided immediate support to scientists searching for novel COVID-19 diagnostic tools and therapies. And they came at the best moment, when most of the scientific knowledge on the coronavirus causing COVID-19 was at nascent stages. By donating your money to Apadrina la Ciencia, you have made possible three biomedical projects that helped handle the COVID-19 pandemics in Spain and to understand the Science behind the SARS-CoV-2 virus. But we cannot forget the relevant impact that Social Sciences and Humanities have played in these difficult times, covering fields that address the social, economic, cultural, psychological, and political impact of Covid-19, in areas like public heath, psychology, human rights, economic inequality…. Behavioural and social sciences are critical for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. We need a final push to include them in the equation.Funding the joint effort of virologists, immunologists, epidemiologists, mathematicians, psychologists, etc, is the most effective measure to fight diseases and pandemics. We ask you to spread the word and help us to reach next goal: raise the amount remaining to be able to offer another 5000 € grant which will be invested in a Social Science and Humanities project. This way, Apadrina la Ciencia can fund a much needed project on these fields and complete a holistic approach to this major problem.

We are very close to reach the goal!!!

Thank you all again for your support.

Apadrina la Ciencia