Science-based technology company 3M has awarded a philanthropic research grant of $50,000 to the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, to advance scientific knowledge in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant from 3M, which has its UK headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire, forms part of a $5 million initiative to support research programmes with a focus on treatments and vaccine development for COVID-19 at leading educational establishments around the world. The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation funding resulted from an international competitive process, reflecting the high esteem in which the University’s health research programmes are held, and was disbursed via 3M’s grant-making partner, GlobalGiving, to ensure thorough vetting, due diligence and reporting.

Welcoming the funding, Dr John Grainger, Deputy Director of the Lydia Becker Institute said: “We are most grateful for this grant from 3M which will support the continuation of our fundamental research into immunology and inflammation, in which we use the latest technology to address the key new concepts in health and many areas of clinical unmet need, including COVID-19.”

The funding will support the continuation of research into the characterisation of the immune response to COVID-19, so that markers of a severe outcome can be identified allowing earlier and more appropriate treatment and improved patient outcome. In addition, linking the immune response to patient data including common co-morbidities will identify the at-risk groups and if their immune response differs from those with mild or no symptoms.

“Science is at the heart of 3M and we are committed to advancing the rapid study of this virus as part of our continued effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Chris Lessing, Medical Affairs Leader at 3M. “It’s important that 3M holds true to its core values by supporting our communities and improving lives. We hope that the grant to the Lydia Becker Institute, which is renowned for its clinical and research expertise, will contribute to the international body of knowledge on COVID-19 and lead to improved patient outcomes. We will be following the progress and outcomes of the research with interest”.

ENDS

About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. The UK is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 2,250 people across 16 locations, including six manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, personal safety equipment, adhesive tapes and industrial microbiology products. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at 3M.co.uk or follow @3MUK on Twitter.

About the University of Manchester The University of Manchester
a member of the prestigious Russell Group, is one of the UK’s largest single-site universities with more than 40,000 students – including more than 10,000 from overseas. It is consistently ranked among the world’s elite for graduate employability. The University is also one of the country’s major research institutions, rated fifth in the UK in terms of ‘research power’ (REF 2014). World-class research is carried out across a diverse range of fields including cancer, advanced materials, global inequalities, energy and industrial biotechnology. No fewer than 25 Nobel laureates have either worked or studied here.

About Global Giving
GlobalGiving is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit that makes it safe and easy to support important causes around the world. When a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic strikes, GlobalGiving quickly delivers funds to vetted organizations that are best-suited to lead immediate and long-term relief and recovery. As part of its mission to accelerate community-led change, GlobalGiving provides tools, training, and support to help non-profits, donors, and companies increase their impact and make the world a better place. Learn more at www.globalgiving.org.

Media Contacts

3M: Jenni Jaques, 4CM, +44 7948 467372, Jenni.jaques@4cm.co.uk
University of Manchester: Michael Addelman, Media Relations Officer: Biology, Medicine, and Health, +44 (0)161 275 2111, +44 (0)7717 881567, michael.addelman@manchester.ac.uk
3M is a trademark of the 3M Company.