The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation Allocates 50 Thousand Euros to Researching the Novel Coronavirus

The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation has allocated 50 thousand euros to coronavirus research to help Latvian researchers and doctors fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Two research projects from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) will be the first to get support.

‘It has always been important for my husband that our actions make the world a little better. Today, with pandemic affecting everyone, it goes without saying that the foundation will contribute to the fight against the dangerous virus.

Boris was a doctor, and Rīga Stradiņš University was his university. Boris has given a lot to promote its growth, and he would be proud to know that ways are being sought to protect Latvian doctors and patients from the coronavirus.

I am certain that Latvian researchers and doctors will be able to make a significant contribution to limit the effect of the deadly virus and I consider it my duty to support them. We all need to find a way to control this virus!’ says patron Ināra Tetereva.

The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation will contribute to two research projects at RSU. One of them concerns the identification of the human immunological, genetic and environmental factors that influence the clinical effects of COVID-19, by using carefully collected samples from COVID-19 patients. This is particularly important in order to be able to predict the course of the disease in patients from different risk groups, and the results could be used to choose appropriate treatments. The patient samples will be stored in the national Genome Database of the Latvian Population. A biobank of patient samples has been established in cooperation with the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, leading Latvian hospitals and other scientific institutions. It will be used for further research of viral mutations identified in Latvia and other future COVID-19-related research both in Latvia and internationally.

The aim of the second study is to pay special attention to protecting physicians - using virtual reality simulations will encourage the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the treatment and supervision of sick patients, thus reducing the possibility of medical staff becoming infected in the workplace. In addition, the results of this study will be able to be used and implemented at hospitals in Latvia and elsewhere quickly.

The foundation has supported RSU since it was created. The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation has awarded various scholarships to university students and lecturers - patron Boris Teterev’s medicine scholarships have been awarded to 23 students so far, while in total 91 targeted scholarships have been awarded to lecturers for the modernisation of study courses and to support other projects.

In 2010, philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev established a family charity foundation - The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation. Its aim is to support distinguished and socially important charitable initiatives in Latvia and abroad. Further information about the foundation.