Coronavirus research and analysis

Researchers across the University applied their leading expertise in infectious diseases, genomics, and other areas to help address the many complex challenges brought by COVID-19 pandemic.

With over a century of discovery and translational research in infectious diseases, the University of Liverpool is a recognised leader in this field.

Our laboratories have helped us understand how COVID-19 affects people and we helped to mapped the spread of the disease through a genomic sequencing alliance.  

Academics in other disciplines across our University gained insights into the wider societal and environmental impact of the pandemic, while many of our clinical researchers and final year medical students helped to fight COVID-19 by volunteering to work on the NHS front line.

Research areas

Two scientists in lab

Outbreak laboratory

As part of the largest COVID-19 study in Europe, our researchers collected blood samples and clinical data from thousands of COVID-19 patients to answer some of the most important questions about the course of the disease and the effects of treatment. One of the most significant findings of the study was that being male or obese reduces chance of survival from COVID-19.
Genome sequence

Genomics hub

As part of the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium, using whole genome sequencing, a team from Liverpool worked to analyse the genetic code of COVID-19 samples, providing public health agencies with a unique tool to combat the virus. Our Centre for Genomic Research carried out this work.
Liverpool household COVID-19 cohort study Aerial shot of Liverpool

Liverpool household cohort study

Hundreds of Liverpool households participated in a unique study enabling University of Liverpool researchers to improve understanding about how the disease is transmitted, to help inform the development of vaccines and to understand the psychological and social impact of COVID-19.

Faster drug testing for COVID-19

Faster drug testing for COVID-19

The University of Liverpool, along with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Southampton Clinical Trials Unit and the University of Lancaster developed a type of study designed for pandemic drug testing. The platform can test multiple potential treatments in parallel, speeding up testing by pooling control data across patient groups.
Liverpool Covid-SMART Pilot People dancing to live music with hands in the air

Liverpool Covid-SMART pilot

A team of experts led by the University of Liverpool evaluated the world’s first city-wide, voluntary Covid-19 rapid antigen testing pilot in Liverpool from November 2020, followed by early roll-out across the wider Liverpool City Region in December 2020 of the national Covid-19 community testing scheme.

COVID-19 Clinical Neuroscience Study (COVID-CNS) banner image

COVID-19 Clinical Neuroscience Study

This study addresses the need to understand the biological causes of neurological and neuropsychiatric complications in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Our research response to Covid-19

The University of Liverpool has a strong heritage of public and global health research and knowledge leadership. Our ideas, innovations and enterprises have helped us respond to grand challenges since our inception. Research expertise and knowledge leadership at Liverpool enabled the University to respond to Covid-19 with agility and at scale, delivering significant impact.

Image of coronavirus cell

UK International Coronavirus Network (UK-ICN)

We are leading a global coronavirus research and innovation network to bring together researchers from animal and human coronavirus communities.
Female doctor wearing a mask

Pandemic Sciences MSc

This unique MSc programme will provide you with a breadth of interdisciplinary expertise and practical role-play in the epidemiology, immunology, control and management of epidemics and pandemics in a One Health (i.e., integrated medical and veterinary) context led by leading experts in their respective fields.
Woman using an iPad with a face mask on

Research in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

In partnership with other Liverpool institutions, our researchers assessed how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on society, and how opportunities can be taken to change our world for the better.
Mental health impact of restricted access to arts and culture Woman looking out of window

Mental health impact of restricted access to arts and culture

As everyone’s worlds shrank due to lockdowns and other safety measures put in place, our academics were keen to understand how the mental health of our region was being affected.

3d model of virus

COVID-19 drug interaction website

We developed a fully searchable, dynamic COVID-19 Drug Interactions website to aid the safe prescribing of experimental drugs.