Friday, 20 March 2020
Universities in Nottingham have today supplied 16 machines to support the national effort in the fight against COVID-19.
The machines, 13 of which were from the five UK campuses at the University of Nottingham, and three from Nottingham Trent University's Clifton Campus were collected by the British Armed Forces. They have a total value of £1 million and can together perform an estimated 20,000 tests a day.
Using a technique of testing called Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, the machines can also be used to test for other viruses such as Hepatitis C and influenzas.
The news comes as more than 600 students from the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham have volunteered to help local hospitals and support NHS staff or researchers responding to the requests from the national government.
Inside the Biodiscovery Institute
Professor Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham, said: “At this time of unprecedented crisis, the University of Nottingham is committed to supporting our communities, local partners and nation. Already, our researchers, staff and students are working with national government, local hospitals, GP surgeries, Councils and across our communities. The enthusiasm, selflessness and skill of our students and staff has been inspiring to see in action.
“We are so proud of our fantastic medical students organising hundreds of volunteers through their society to help the local front line effort. Of course none of this vital work can be done without the tireless support from our administrative, technical, estates and cleaning staff.”
“Whilst we’re busy supporting our staff and students in this unprecedented situation, we are also committed to support people beyond the university both locally and nationally, said Professor Nigel Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, at Nottingham Trent University.
He said: “This equipment which is normally used by our researchers will be vital to the national response to COVID-19 and we’re delighted to be working with our friends at the University of Nottingham on this.”
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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