COVID-19: Looking to Science for Answers

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented challenges to almost every aspect of our daily lives, scientists at NYUAD have joined the global effort to find answers. Below are some of the research projects that our faculty, researchers, students, and staff have initiated and continue to pursue in the fight against the virus and its impact around the world.

Research Projects

Researchers Develop New Protocol for a More Sensitive and Accurate COVID-19 Testing Technique

NYUAD researchers have employed a new testing technique involving sequential RT, cDNA preamplification, and qPCR, using a microfluidics platform.

Mathematical Model Identifies Optimal School Return Approach

Professor of Practice in Mathematics Alberto Gandolfi has developed a mathematical model to identify the number of days students could attend school to allow them a better learning experience while mitigating infections of COVID-19.

Another Tool in the Shed Against COVID 19

Professor of Computer Science Azza Abouzied is building a tool that can guide policymakers with plans that can curb and control an epidemic while taking into consideration societal and economic costs.

Strength in Numbers

NYU Abu Dhabi is implementing a university-wide COVID-19 research study to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic coronavirus cases and ensure the protection of the community.

Ten Research Grants Announced to Combat COVID-19

NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has announced the award of ten COVID-19 Facilitator Research Grants to faculty across a range of disciplines including sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

The Balance Between Reducing the Spread of COVID-19 and Economic Prosperity

A team of mathematicians and economists from NYUAD have developed a mathematical model that could offer a template for policy-makers.

Science in Fiction: Pandemics and Disease

Biologist and Film Maker Alexis Gambis shines a different light on the pandemic by showcasing works that weave the seemingly disparate worlds of cinema and science.

Applications Open for Inaugual YouthTech Competition Developed in Response to COVID-19

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has joined forces with startAD to launch the inaugural edition of the YouthTech Competition.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Research and Education

Instructor of Biology Mona Kalmouni talks about the global response to COVID-19, and specifically how learning can and does continue, despite the global education crisis.

Tackling COVID-19

Senior Research Scientist Hala Fahs explains what we know so far about COVID-19, why widespread testing is important, and what treatments and vaccinations are in the pipeline.

Global TIES for Children Relates Previous Learnings to Global Post-COVID School Reopening

As many schools around the world prepare to reopen in 2020 and beyond, this study provides critical insights that can help inform efforts to reintegrate children into schools after significant disruption and time away.

Students Support UAE in the Fight Against COVID-19

A group of students apply their skills in labs that are conducting COVID-19 tests on the UAE’s population.

NYU Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Healthcare Develop Reusable N-95 Mask

NYU Abu Dhabi is working with Mubadala Healthcare to create 3D printed N-95 masks that are better for the environment and provide the same level of protection for users.

A Student's Capstone Project That Could Inform Government Policy on Coronavirus

Class of 2020 Graduate Anh Mai's Capstone research proposes a unique, two-phase, reactive solution to the issue of policy optimization during a pandemic.

2020 NYUAD International Hackathon Targets COVID-19

Health Hero Match, a website that connects medical workers with hospitals currently facing staffing shortages, won first place at the 2020 Annual NYUAD International Hackathon for Social Good in the Arab World.

Coronavirus Concern, Turned into Action

Associate Professor of Mathematics Francesco Paparella is analyzing data on coronavirus to help predict various events, such as when the epidemic may reach its peak and the most effective policies at curbing its spread.

Assessing the Mental Impact of COVID-19

Assistant Professor of Psychology Jocelyn J. Bélanger is working with 100 collaborators on five continents to identify psychological and cultural factors relevant to the spread of COVID-19 and its effect on societies.

Student Volunteers Partake in Assessment of COVID-19 Death Toll

Alberto Gandolfi, Professor of Practice in Mathematics, is working on a worldwide statistical analysis of COVID-19 mortality rates to more accurately depict the amount of deaths occurring from the disease.