In recent weeks, much has been made of the challenges arriving at a global consensus around the response to the coronavirus pandemic. However, one area for encouragement is the way in which the academic research community has aligned around the issue. Academic institutions are examining coronavirus epidemiology and pathobiology from all angles in the hope of accelerating our recovery from the crisis. Graham Mills at techspert.io shows why funding is being made available from both public and private sources to support innovation projects – estimated to be at least $985 million since the crisis began.