The Puerto Rico Public Health Trust will provide $40,000 in grants for research on COVID-19
Thursday, June 4, 2020 – San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Puerto Rico Public Health Trust (PRPHT), a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PRSTRT), is pleased to announce the four proposals selected for specific public health research that include projects on Contact Tracing, Telemedicine, Health Access and Food Safety for adults with Diabetes and the Intermittent Social Distance to control the COVID-19 pandemic on the Island.
“Our interest is to support our researchers so that with their projects they can contribute to the public health of the communities of Puerto Rico by providing solutions and economic development” expressed Dr. Marcos López, Research Manager of the PRPHT. “It is clear that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been precisely the scientists who have presented feasible alternatives to prevent the spread of the virus”.
The winning proposals were selected after being evaluated by a group of mentors who had the responsibility of considering the impact of the research presented, the implementation process, the economic scope and the feasibility of execution.
Projects Recommended for Funding
Family Auto-Contact Tracing (Fact) of SARS-COV-2 in Puerto Rico
Principal Researcher: Robinson Rodríguez-Pérez, Ph.D.
Institution: University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
Integration of Telemedicine in Public Health Activities to Promote Covid-19 Pre-diagnostic In Puerto Rico
Principal Researcher: Melissa Marzán-Rodríguez, MPH, Ph.D.
Institution: Ponce Health Science University
Food Access and Security, Healthcare, and Glycemic Control Among Adults with Diabetes During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Principal Researcher: Josiemer Mattei, Ph.D.
Institution: FDI Clinical Research of Puerto Rico,
Intermittent Social Distancing to Control the Covid-19 Pandemic in Puerto Rico: Role Of Outdoor Pollen And Mold Seasons
Principal Researcher: Benjamín Bolaños Rosero, Ph.D.
Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences campus
It is hoped that this input will help researchers secure funding to complete ongoing projects, obtain data, present evidence-based conclusions and publish their findings.
Dr. José Rodríguez Orengo, Executive Director of the PRPHT, expressed his satisfaction with the participation and indicated; “We know that as these projects there are many others that can be developed and deserve to be sponsored, so I urge public health researchers to be alert to the second round of grants that will be announced soon. We are committed to providing opportunities that will improve health equity in Puerto Rico,” he concluded.
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About the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214, is a non-profit organization created in 2004 to promote participation and job creation on the island in the global knowledge economy by encouraging investment and funding for science and technology research and development. By investing in technology research and commercialization, the Trust serves as a catalyst for job creation and retention of highly skilled and often bilingual island residents. It is also responsible for Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, and research.