Effective anti-viral therapies are required to treat individuals infected by the SARS-Cov-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19. So far, only repurposed drugs have been investigated as treatment to fight SARS-Cov-2 infection. The goal of the project is to use our custom yeast-based screening platform in collaboration with the artificial intelligence algorithms of InVivo AI […]

The current project will assemble a library of molecules known as single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies to treat COVID-19. The scFv antibodies will neutralize the SARV-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 by targeting its spike (S) glycoprotein. ScFv antibodies offer numerous advantages compared to other treatment alternatives such as small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies, and are […]

Contagious diseases, such as SARS and COVID-19, bring a large amount of damage to human’s life and world economy. Pathogens spread among individuals through the contact network. It is observed that most social networks show a power-law degree distribution, implying that hubs exist in these networks. Finding underlying super-spreaders (hubs) and isolating or immunizing them […]

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the number of global deaths and disabilities related to mental health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, has risen in recent years. This applies to Canada in the same way, causing premature deaths and disabilities. The general objective of this project is to define, […]

This proposal details an approach for evaluating a planned project led by SII called Participatory Cities: a new inclusive, system-based approach to stimulating and supporting dense networks of practical ‘participation culture’ in cities around the world. With proof of concept developed and tested in London, UK, by the Participatory City Foundation, the model will now […]

Naturally, the Precast Concrete and the Canadian Construction Industries are not going to come out of the COVID-19 crisis unscathed. The various players will all be affected in different ways. And of course, demand will fall sooner or later as the crisis continues, which will squeeze profits throughout the entire construction industry and the Canadian […]

In Canada, as of April 21, only 569,878 people (~1.5% of the population) have been tested, with more than 38,413 positive COVID-19 cases identified; yet most people, including the asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, are not eligible for testing. Given that as many as 45% of all COVID-19 cases lack the known symptoms, or so-called asymptomatic cases, […]

The main goal of this project is to develop a more advanced version of the Robotic Stairclimbing Assistant (ROSA), a stair-climbing domestic service robot developed by Quantum Robotic Systems. ROSA can carry heavier household items (e.g., laundry baskets, bins, etc.) between rooms and up stairs. ROSA is meant to help seniors, people with compromised mobility, […]

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting physical distancing measures pose a unique challenge regarding the ability for people to respond to loss and grief. In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Hamilton, researchers from McMaster University will develop an interactive online resource to support people dealing with grief and loss during the Covid-19 […]

The Mitacs Intern will support the Direct[Message] project to develop and undertake online arts workshops for older adults to reduce social isolation resulting from COVID-19 and develop an understanding of the needs and wants of older adults who experience barriers to participation in the arts. The Intern will interview participants to gain knowledge about their […]

In the midst of the current global COVID-19 pandemic, frontline service workers (e.g. healthcare and social services) are experiencing unprecedented work conditions that are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, which impact one’s psychological well-being. To combat the impending mental health crises, McMaster University and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA, Hamilton) are partnering to assess […]

Emergencies in inner-city neighbourhoods come in many forms—illness, fire, violence, homelessness. The COVID-19 pandemic is a different kind of emergency. It is a global crisis, and requires unprecedented changes to everyday life to protect all members of society. COVID-19 has highlighted many long-standing gaps in access to basic needs and has expanded understandings of basic […]