A map of the world, a hand holding a test tube and three children washing their hands

Credit: Luis Tato / AFP via Getty Images

Covid-19: supporting global research and development

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we called for urgent international action to get lifesaving tests, treatments and vaccines from the laboratory to the front line, so they could reach those most in need around the world.

This web page was last updated in 2021. The information provided here may not reflect current developments or research.

What we're doing 

Covid-19 vaccines

We explain how Covid-19 vaccines work, and how we're supporting vaccine research, development and distribution around the world.

Covid-19 treatments

Find out about the latest progress on Covid-19 treatments, and how we're supporting work to develop and bring them to people, as soon as possible. 

Covid-19 research we've funded

We're funding a range of Covid-19 research, from the development of treatments and vaccines, to support for low- and-middle income countries.

Data sharing during Covid-19

Together with a range of partners, we’re calling on funding bodies, journals and research organisations to share research findings and data relevant to the Covid-19 outbreak. Read the joint statement.

We’ve commissioned Research Consulting to conduct a study to investigate the impact of requirements for the rapid and open sharing of research findings and data in public health emergencies. You can find out more about the study on the Research Consulting website.

What you can do 

Governments and international organisations must continue to invest in the research and development of tests, treatments and vaccines. And they must support fair access to these lifesaving tools – so they are available to those most in need everywhere.

To achieve this, $16.8 billion is needed in 2021. Investing now, at scale and as a collective global effort, is the only way to save lives, reduce the spread of Covid-19 and bring societies and economies back on track. 

Governments and private and philanthropic funders can support research into and equitable access to Covid-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.

Latest news and explainers 

Covid-19 vaccines: information hub

A collection of quick and simple resources on how Covid-19 vaccines work, how we know they're safe, and how they can be distributed to everyone around the world.

Reports 

Across the world, there are unacceptable disparities in access to Covid-19 vaccines, leaving many vulnerable people unprotected. This paper considers this challenge and sets out the action needed by G20 countries and vaccine manufacturers to rapidly increase global vaccination rates, with the aim of reaching 70% of the population in every country by June 2022.  

Work with us 

We’d love to hear from you on how we can work together to change the course of the pandemic.

Information for grant applicants and grantholders

Here's what you need to know if you're applying for one of our research grants, or hold a Wellcome grant.