COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre
COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre
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There are too many unanswered questions
Wesley Medical Research is committed to conducting critically needed research to fight COVID-19, which is why we have established the COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre.
The Centre comprises a dedicated team of world-leading researchers and healthcare professionals who are committed to conducting research that delivers immediate improvements to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of COVID-19.
By establishing strong collaborations with hospitals and research institutions in Australia and around the world, the Centre will contribute to the global understanding of COVID-19 and arm experts with the answers that they need to battle the virus.
Research conducted as part of the COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre is already making an impact.
Our Research Focus
Supporting those that are critically ill
Supporting those on the frontline
Supporting those with pre-existing conditions
Supporting those who are vulnerable
COVID-19 Research Projects Now Underway

Global ICU Data Collection & Analysis to Better Understand and Treat Patients [COVID Critical]
Professor John Fraser & Associate Professsor Gianluigi Li Bassi
Intensive Care Specialists, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital
In this project, medical experts from across the globe are sharing critical insights, experience and expertise about how COVID-19 patients are being treated in their hospitals.
Protecting Frontline Healthcare Workers against COVID-19
Professor Bala Venkatesh | Director ICU, The Wesley Hospital
With no proven treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, it is critical that we protect our frontline healthcare workers against COVID-19 so they can continue caring for our most vulnerable patients.
The Direct & Indirect Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Reduced Heart Function
Dr John Rivers | Cardiologist, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital
It is essential that we better understand the impact of COVID-19 itself, and the preventative social distancing and isolation on these vulnerable patients. This project uses smartphone technology to help those patients at the highest risk avoid the need to attend healthcare facilities.
Mental Health Support in Rural and Remote Communities
Professor Steven McPhail| Academic Director, AusHSI
Alarmingly, suicide rates in Australia may increase by up to 50% as a result of COVID-19, as individuals battle the social and economic impacts of the virus. This mental health research project aims to develop and trial a model of care to improve mental health services in rural communities.
The Long-term Impact of COVID-19 on Survivors
Associate Professor Gianluigi Li Bassi |
ICU Specialist, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital
This study will investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 to ensure that the millions of people infected with the virus around the world receive the best medical care in the future.
Dr Daman Langguth| Immunologist,The Wesley Hospital
This study aims to develop and validate novel diagnostic technology for the rapid, reliable and cost-effective detection of COVID-19 in nasal, throat and saliva samples, capable of providing a result back to the patient within an hour.
Presentations & Events
Panel Pledge Live at the official opening of the COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre
Our holistic research program will directly benefit #healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19, critically ill patients, those with pre-existing conditions who are impacted by the virus and vulnerable communities in rural and regional Queensland.
Read more about this inspiring and informative event and the research that is making a difference in the fight against COVID-19.
More to explore
[Video] Panel Pledge Live
On June 18th 2020, Wesley Medical Research and its world-renowned local research leadership team pledged its support to the global medical community, to fast track...
Read MoreWesley Medical Research pledges support to the global community to fast track answers
Wesley Medical Research, Queensland’s second-oldest medical research institute, pledged its support to the global community to fast track answers to overcome COVID-19, at the official...
Read MoreCOVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre Launch and Researcher Panel Pledge Live
This event will feature a live panel discussion facilitated by Professor Ian Frazer, leading researcher and immunologist, in conversation with our world-renowned local research leadership...
Read More