Be The Change: Bulgari Announces A Virus Free Fund To Support Medical Research Into COVID-19

Bulgari is expanding its corporate commitment to social responsibility by financially supporting world-leading institutions in their research against different types of viruses, in particular COVID-19. Today the WHO recorded 183,000 new cases in only 24 hours, the highest one-day rise since the beginning of the outbreak, making the development of a vaccine a global priority.
 

To support the important work of Oxford University’s Jenner Institute, the Bulgari Virus Free Fund has also donated a flow cytometer – a €100,000 high-tech instrument that measures the physical and chemical characteristics of cells and is routinely used in research and clinical trials – and is creating two scholarships to help support scientists pursuing a Ph.D. in epidemiology.

The aim of the scholarships is to financially support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars working on COVID-19 research. The luxury brand will also create a Bulgari Clinical Fund, especially for the development and clinical testing of new therapies, drugs, and vaccines to fight COVID-19 and related coronavirus strains.
 

“For us to continue to make world-leading advances against infectious diseases we need more excellent young scientists to join the field of vaccinology, and have access to the most up to date equipment in our laboratories,” explained Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, during the webinar launch of the fund. “This generous gift from Bulgari addresses both of these needs and will continue to have an impact for many years to come.”
 

During the webinar announcement, Professor Gilbert shared that the University of Oxford is hopeful that a COVID-19 vaccine will be available in the fall, as its researchers are accelerating development given the critical nature of the current situation. While the world is anxiously waiting for a cure, Bulgari’s contribution to the global community shows how luxury brands can also use their power and influence to create change.
 

“Over the past few months, we have witnessed the shocking and detrimental effects of COVID-19 on every aspect of our society throughout the world,” noted Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of Bulgari. “We can never let this happen again. Bulgari vows not only to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 but also to work with the global leaders in Medical Sciences at Oxford University, to nurture the most talented minds of tomorrow. I am honored and proud to have the opportunity to support Oxford University in this common goal of eradicating viruses and stopping future pandemics in their tracks.”