On Apr. 24, 2020, the W. M. Keck Foundation announced a $4 million gift that will help scientists at the Keck School of Medicine of USC explore how the new coronavirus is transmitted, develop treatments and work with public health officials to curtail its spread.

Alongside crucial scientific research into the biology and treatment of COVID-19, experts may use the donation to collaborate with public health specialists to share important health information and understand the impact of the virus on local communities.

The new coronavirus fund bolsters research and related activities in five areas: virology and immunology; diagnosis and treatment; population health; community outreach; and research infrastructure.

The school has already established a fast-track process to approve studies involving the new coronavirus. A formal mechanism to distribute the new funding to researchers was developed with input from experts across campus, including scientists in a recently established COVID-19 research group.

USC also expects to use some of the foundation’s gift to provide accurate information about the new coronavirus to Los Angeles County communities, as well as encourage healthy behaviors. That support can help USC counter the pandemic’s damage to local neighborhoods. University staff and partners are already distributing food to people who have lost their jobs and struggle to make ends meet.