The Surgical Infection Society Foundation for Education and Research (SIS-F) is pleased to announce that SIS member Sebastian D. Schubl, M.D., F.A.C.S, Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery, University of California-Irvine, is the recipient of the competitive 2020 SIS-F COVID-19 Research Grant. The award, in the amount of $30,000.00, is in support of a molecular epidemiologic study. According to Schubl, he and his multidisciplinary collaborators will utilize a novel, multi-antigen protein micro-array that is capable of sampling more than 67 antigens derived from most known respiratory viruses, including 11 highly specific to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). From 50-microliter blood samples obtained by finger stick, longitudinal large-scale sampling of health care workers (HCWs) at a tertiary/quaternary academic medical center will be undertaken. Baseline data were collected from ~ 1,500 HCWs in late May, 2020. An intervening surge of COVID-19 in southern California will allow the demonstration of changes in seroprevalence among HCW by re-testing. This, coupled with survey data from participants about institutional roles, workplace location, and other sources of exposure, will quantify both risk factors and the efficacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other preventive measures. Using a neutralization assay, cellular analysis of high-antibody-titer plasma will allow determination of the degree of resistance to re-infection.

Schubl, a member of SIS’ Scientific Studies Committee, which is re-defining the SIS Research Agenda for the next decade, said “I am overjoyed to be selected as the SIS Foundation Award winner for COVID research. The consistent support that SIS-F provides young surgeons is the critical first step in building a career in academia. I have huge shoes to fill, given the incredible work that previous award winners have achieved.”

The SIS-F supports research in surgical infections by promising young and mid-career investigators through several programs, including Junior Faculty Fellowships and its Innovation Award. For more information or to donate, please point your browser to the link on this page.