Dr Ho awarded Emerging Leaders Prize
Published: 3 December 2021
The Centre for Virus Research's Dr Antonia Ho was recently awarded a prestigious Medical Research Foundation Emerging Leaders Prize 2021 for her ground-breaking Covid-19 research.
The Centre for Virus Research's Dr Antonia Ho was recently awarded a prestigious Medical Research Foundation Emerging Leaders Prize 2021 for her ground-breaking Covid-19 research.
At record-breaking speed, medical research provided - and continues to provide - the answers to key questions about the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus, along with accurate testing methods, life-saving treatments, protective vaccinations, and policies to keep the most vulnerable safe.
Scientists from across the world pivoted their research focus to help accelerate our understanding of the virus, its effects on the body, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
Dr Antonia Ho MRF Emerging Leaders award interview
With financial support from Pfizer Limited, the Foundation’s 2021 prize awards a total of £400,000 to outstanding researchers who have all made a significant impact in the fight against Covid.
One of four leading scientists announced as recipients on 24 November, Dr Ho was recognised for rapidly transferring her skills and knowledge of flu to lead Covid studies in Malawi and the UK, resulting in national policy changes.
Dr Ho, who received £100,000, said: “I feel extremely honoured to be awarded the Emerging Leaders Prize. I will use the funding to generate new knowledge about COVID-19 in African settings, including understanding if prior exposure to other viruses changes the way the immune system responds to COVID-19.
“Understanding what factors determine the disease spectrum of COVID-19 in Africa is crucial to the fundamental understanding of the virus, and will also guide public health measures, optimise vaccination strategies, and inform the management of the next coronavirus pandemic.”
First published: 3 December 2021