During these difficult times, the research and medical communities around the world have come together to rapidly produce data on and find treatments for COVID-19. We at the Franklin are proud to be part of these extraordinary efforts. Here is a current summary of our efforts, which we will continue to update:
Protein reagents:
Protein Production UK based at The Franklin are developing reagents in collaboration with other Franklin structural biologists which will stabilise selected SARS-COV-2 proteins for further analysis including imaging. The selected proteins are key targets for therapeutics and vaccines.
Franklin research leaders: Professors Ray Owens and James Naismith
Collaborators: University of Oxford, Diamond Light Source, The Research Complex at Harwell
Imaging technologies:
As part of an ongoing collaboration with SPT Labtech, we will be using our nationally unique capability and knowledge of the Chameleon system to improve Cryo-EM imaging of SARS-COV-2 components.
Franklin research leaders: Dr Miriam Weckener and Professor James Naismith
Collaborators: SPT Labtech, Diamond Light Source
Chemical biology:
The Chemistry and structural biology teams are working with partners worldwide to develop novel anti-virals and diagnostics.
Franklin research leaders: Professors Ben Davis and James Naismith
Collaborators: Members of an EU research consortium, University of Oxford
Offering PPE supplies for the NHS:
As part of a Rutherford Appleton Laboratories initiative, our site together have collected 50,000 items of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to donate to the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Updated 03/04/20