The Covid-19 Task Force is a collaboration of many Luxembourgish research institutes operating under the banner “Research Luxembourg.” This task force was now honoured for its “key role in coordinating” between the national research institutes and the government. In addition, the collective’s role in “bringing evidence-based research findings to the public’s attention in educational and informative ways” was highlighted.
The Covid-19 Task Force helped inform key government decisions, such as the large-scale testing scheme, by regularly providing data during the pandemic, and therefore “effectively contributed to protecting the most vulnerable whilst keeping society open for others,” according to a statement released by Fondation de Luxembourg.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently placed Luxembourg at the top of European countries with the lowest rate of excess mortality over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also praised the Grand Duchy for its quick response, including the creation of the Covid-19 Task Force at the onset of the crisis.
The Science for Society Prize jury is comprised of independent members of the research community, decision-makers, the technology sector and the press. The prize is jointly organised by the Fondation de Luxembourg, the National Research Fund (FNR), and the Science for Society Foundation. The award carries a €5,000 cash reward.
