[Blog] Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC): research on COVID -19

The idea of a series of jobs on COVID-19 was launched by myself as Chairman and Dr Gopaul as OIC of the Council in March 2020. The devoted clinical group at MRIC developed the project, working on-line and through day-to-day zoom conferences: an outstanding example of work done during confinement without face-to-face contact and physical existence at the Workplace. We expected a dozen approximately or responses but got a massive 252 applications! Our independent evaluation panel selected the very first 20 or so jobs and these were approved by Council for immediate implementation.

The result will undoubtedly be a contribution of Mauritius to the world-wide efforts to much better understand and combat the pandemic.

On 22 June by decision of Cabinet a new Chairman, some brand-new Council members, and a new Executive Director on contract were set up.

Grateful to note (Le Mauricien, 8th July and Le Defi, 18th July) that the brand-new team at MRIC are pressing ahead with this crucial job. The technique of MRC then MRIC which has been developed over the last few years, from the time of Dr Suddhoo as ED and self as Chairman, is to undertake applied research study, with as unbiased practical applications, new items and production of new tasks, instead of academic research. It is intriguing that the freshly called Chairman of MRIC (Dr Sukon) mentioned these existing and well anchored methods as what he wants the future. The wheel is not being reinvented, however continuity will be made sure!

Dr Michael ATCHIA

(Chairman MRIC, 2018- June 2020)