As many Canadian researchers are receiving funds to investigate the biological implications of COVID-19, others are receiving funds to study the virus' social implications. Three York University professors are receiving more than $1.1M in COVID-19 research funding to study issues of trust, stigmatization, and social perceptions of risk surrounding the virus. Researchers at Royal Roads University and Ryerson University have also received funds to reduce the circulation of misinformation regarding COVID-19, as well as to develop educational resources. “The results from these […] research projects could affect the response to and management of COVID-19 now and similar outbreaks of disease in the future,” said YorkU in a news release.  Hamilton Spectator  | Royal Roads  (National)

A team of researchers from McMaster University, University of Toronto, and Sunnybrook Research Institute have successfully isolated the COVID-19 virus. “Now that we have isolated the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we can share this with other researchers and continue this teamwork,” said McMaster NSERC Post-doctoral Fellow Arinjay Banerjee. “The more viruses that are made available in this way, the more we can learn, collaborate and share.” The Montréal Gazette adds that Quebec-based company Medicago has produced a virus-like particle of the virus—the first step of the development of a vaccine—and has been studying developing antibodies in collaboration with Université Laval. Innovate Saskatchewan has also provided the University of Saskatchewan’s VIDO-IVC with $200K to support their research on a vaccine. USask is reportedly currently evaluating the safety and efficiency of potential vaccines and medications.  Sunnybrook  | Montreal Gazette  | SK (ON, QC, SK)

Several postsecondary institutions have announced class cancellations and a move to online learning in the wake of COVID-19, while others are instituting temporary class cancellations to discuss institutional strategy. Colleges and universities including St Clair College, Niagara College, Fanshawe College, Ontario Tech University, the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, the University of Lethbridge, Ryerson University, Queen’s University, Brock University, York University, the University of Toronto, and Western University have all announced that they are suspending classes for the time being while they discuss strategy, consider alternative delivery methods, and/or move in-person classes to online platforms. All such institutions indicated they will be communicating plans with community members shortly. Meanwhile, universities, colleges, cégeps, and polytechnics in Québec are affected by a QC government decree banning all indoor gatherings of more than 250 people.   University Affairs  | CBC | Global News | Niagara | Fanshawe (National)

Insights on Canadian Society has released a study examining the education and labour market integration of Black youth in Canada. In terms of education, the study found that Black youth are as likely as other youth to have a high school diploma; young Black males and females in 2006 were less likely than their counterparts in the rest of the population to have a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree in 2016; and the gap between postsecondary graduation rates for Black youth and other youth remained after accounting for differences in socioeconomic and family characteristics. Importantly, the report notes that, "the discrimination experienced by the Black population could explain some of the results of the study."  StatsCan  (National)

Collège Boréal has inaugurated Research & Innovation Boréal, a centre of applied research for innovation. The centre will support projects in businesses and community organizations through research partnerships. “Research & Innovation Boréal facilitates access to applied research projects through an array of services to business and public organizations," said Boréal Director of Research and Innovation Robin Craig. "Our expertise allows us to develop new solutions and propose new approaches that aim to modernize industrial, entrepreneurial and social practices.”  Boréal  (ON)

The University of Windsor, St Clair College, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and Windsor Regional Hospital have celebrated the launch of the WE-SPARK Health Institute. “Research and Education are among the main drivers of the new Windsor-Essex Hospitals System,” said Windsor Regional Hospital President David Musyj. “Through this unique partnership we have a chance to think big, build collaboration into the new system and position the region as a leader in medical research.” The institute states that its mission will be to enhance the health, well-being, and care of people through transformative research and knowledge translation, creating a thriving and engaged research community driving enhancements in health. Windsor Star | WE-SPARK (ON)

Algonquin College has launched AC online, a digital-only campus designed to meet increased demands for flexible, personalized, and quality educational content. The online campus will feature more than 65 online programs, including both part-time and full-time programs, and 800 online courses. The platform will cater to students of all demographics, including both recent high school graduates and working professionals. “From the moment a learner contacts us about online education, to the moment they graduate,” said Algonquin President Claude Brulé, “they will receive the same support as someone who studies at any of our other campuses.” Algonquin (ON)

The Government of Canada has raised its investment from $7M to nearly $27M into supports for COVID-19 related research. The investment will be provided through the country’s research councils – such as CIHR, CRCC, and IDRC – in the form of research grants to several institutions across the country. 47 teams will use the funds focus on accelerating the development, testing, and implementation of measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. “Canada’s researchers are some of the best in the world, and this funding will allow them to conduct groundbreaking research on a novel coronavirus,” said Federal Minister of Health Patty Hajdu. “Protecting the health and well-being of all Canadians is our top priority, and the research conducted thanks to this funding will contribute to mitigating the outbreak of COVID-19.”  Canada  (National)

The University of Ottawa has raised $300M for the modernization of existing campus buildings. The project aligns with uOttawa's strategic goal of responsible and sustainable growth of the school's infrastructure over the next decade. One of the projects involves five buildings receiving mechanical and architectural upgrades that will contribute to a more sustainable, greener campus. The project will also provide new facilities for the Faculty of Health Sciences and enhance pedestrian access between the campus and the Lees LRT station. uOttawa (ON)

The Government of Ontario has announced over $3.8M in grants for research projects at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. $3.57M of the funds will be given to UWaterloo researchers, while WLU will receive about $247K. The funds will go towards projects on topics such as the use of big data in policing, and human behaviour in net-positive energy buildings. “Laurier researchers tackle some of the most complex issues facing our society today, and this funding will directly support and enhance those efforts,” said WLU Vice President Research Jonathan Newman. “We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this substantial investment in Laurier’s world-class research.”   The Record   | WLU   (ON)