Keck Foundation gift to USC to speed research on COVID-19

Keck School of Medicine researchers will use the $6 million donation to understand how the virus infiltrates the human body and how best to protect vulnerable groups in Southern California. (Photo/Chris Shinn)

Keck School of Medicine of USC researchers will use $6 million in funding for studies to detect, prevent, treat and educate about the new coronavirus.

A $6 million gift from the W. M. Keck Foundation will help scientists at the Keck School of Medicine of USC explore how the new coronavirus is transmitted, develop treatments and work with public health officials to curtail its spread.

Alongside crucial scientific research into the biology and treatment of COVID-19, experts may use the donation to collaborate with public health specialists to share important health information and understand the impact of the virus on local communities.

“Our scientists at USC are working tirelessly to understand how this virus spreads and affects vulnerable populations,” USC President Carol L. Folt said. “This generous gift from the W. M. Keck Foundation will be a wonderful boost to their lifesaving work and will free up other resources so we can continue to reach out to our communities in this time of great need. We are grateful for this critical support.”

The new coronavirus fund bolsters research and related activities in five areas: virology and immunology; diagnosis and treatment; population health; community outreach; and research infrastructure.