Florida

Florida awards grants for Zika research, vaccine development

TAMPA, Fla. — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Ten universities, including the University of Central Florida, and research institutions in Florida have been awarded grants to speed up development of a Zika vaccine, devise new testing methods and study the long-term impacts of the mosquito-borne virus.

Gov. Rick Scott announced the 34 grant awards Wednesday in Tampa. The grants are funded through $25 million that Scott authorized last year for Zika research and vaccine development.

The state's surgeon general, Dr. Celeste Philip, said in a statement that Florida can't relax its efforts to fight the Zika virus during the current winter reprieve from mosquitoes.

According to a statement from Scott's office, the University of Miami received the largest grant award: over $13 million for Zika test and vaccine development, as well as studies of the virus' effects in children and pregnant women.

The following organizations received grant funding awards: 

Florida Atlantic University – $199,280

Florida International University – $2,183,004

Florida State University – $2,169,675

Moffitt Cancer Center – $199,280

Nova Southeastern University – $198,886

The Scripps Research Institute – $199,280

University of Central Florida – $1,297,817

University of Florida – $2,922,999

University of Miami – $13,170,784

University of South Florida – $2,458,995