WE USE COOKIES TO TRACK USAGE AND PREFERENCES. READ MORE CLOSE Home TOGGLE MOBILE MENU TOGGLE SEARCH Our coronavirus response About Donate Breadcrumb Research Covid 19 response Coronavirus (COVID-19) research Intro Support our work Help us combat COVID-19 and protect our vital research programmes. All donations, no matter what size, will help us to continue this vital work. Donate online to support our coronavirus response, or find out other ways to support us. DONATE NOW The COVID-19 pandemic requires a concerted research effort that draws on a range of different disciplines. Crick researchers are working at the forefront of the scientific response, answering some of the most urgent questions about the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. At the Crick, our world-leading research expertise, facilities and flexibility put us in a unique position to help. We're collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams, with researchers, clinicians and partners to help answer key questions: from why it’s deadly in some people but causes no symptoms in others, to how the virus is evolving and the threats from new variants. This work will guide the development of new tests, vaccines, treatments and clinical strategies. COVID-19 research themes 1. How can we compare and improve testing methods? Diagnosis – methods evaluation and development Our testing service helps local hospitals and care homes remain open and safe, and allows us to continue our vital research. We are using our experience to compare and evaluate testing methods, and to help improve clinical diagnostic testing. IMPROVING TESTING 2. Why are some cases so much worse than others? Immunity and immunopathology – testing and mechanisms We’re investigating how our immune system responds to the coronavirus, why some cases are much worse than others, and if immunity, induced by vaccination or infection with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, can protect against new variants. UNDERSTANDING IMMUNITY 3. How does the virus interact with our cells? Molecular mechanisms and target identification Using the Crick’s world-class expertise in virology, structural biology, and chemistry, we are investigating the lifecycle of the coronavirus, how it attaches to cell surfaces, enters cells, and replicates. This could help identify potential drugs and treatments. HOW IT WORKS 4. How is coronavirus evolving and being transmitted? Clinical epidemiology and clinical management in well subjects We’re investigating how the coronavirus is evolving and spreading between people, including how effective vaccines are against new variants of SARS-CoV-2. TRANSMISSION AND EVOLUTION 5. How is coronavirus affecting people who are already ill? Clinical epidemiology and clinical management in vulnerable populations We’re using our extensive expertise in cancer immunology and infection to investigate the immune response to coronavirus in cancer patients, how this is affected by vaccination and the impact of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants. CORONAVIRUS AND CANCER Latest COVID-19 news Back to top Back to top Back to top Back to top Back to top Back to top Back to top Back to top Back to top Back to top Support our work Donate online Help us combat COVID-19 and protect our vital research programmes. DONATE ON JUSTGIVING Get in touch Whether you’re an individual or organisation, our dedicated team can help you decide how you can best support the Crick. Email: zoe.tautz-davis@crick.ac.uk Call: +44 20 379 62747 Partner with us Interested in collaborating with the Crick? Contact Rebecca Wilson, Head of Strategic Partnerships, to discuss how we can work together. Email: rebecca.wilson@crick.ac.uk Related content Share the page Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Email Sign up for our newsletters Join our mailing lists to receive updates about our latest research and to hear about our free public events and exhibitions. If you would like to find out more about how we manage your personal information please see our privacy policy. SIGN UP The Francis Crick Institute is a unique partnership between CONTACT US The Francis Crick Institute 1 Midland Road London NW1 1AT +44 (0)20 3796 0000 info@crick.ac.uk Send us a message GALLERY OPENING TIMES We’re delighted to be welcoming back more visitors to the Crick, and have put measures in place to keep our staff, students and visitors safe. Check our COVID-19 response page for our latest information. Tue Closed Wed 10:00-20:00 Thu 10:00-16:00 Fri 10:00-16:00 Sat 10:00-16:00 Sun Closed Mon Closed View upcoming changes to normal opening times QUICK LINKS Media & press Sign-up to our newsletter Privacy policy Accessibility Cookies Modern slavery statement Terms and conditions Alumni SOCIAL LINKS Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Instagram The Francis Crick Institute Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1140062 and a company registered in England and Wales no. 06885462, with its registered office at 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT.