Science turns a little bit spiritual

When Professor Paul Young finally clocks off from leading the world’s race for a coronavirus vaccine he retreats to his Brisbane sanctuary – a converted church he is renovating.

THE man that is leading the front running team in the world race for a vaccine to stop the deadly COVID-19 virus goes home every night to some divine inspiration.

When Professor Paul Young, who is leading the University of Queensland’s work, finally clocks off from saving the planet he retreats to his sanctuary – a converted church in Brisbane which was built in 1936.

The old Presbyterian Church caught his eye when he lived close by and went on his walks. In 2002 he bought the property and has been maintaining and renovating it ever since.

“I’m not religious but I loved the idea of it being our home. Cheryl and I are empty nesters and it is certainly a big nest but we love it. I like to potter around doing repair work in my spare time. It is an old timber building so it needs constant work,” he said.

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University of Queensland COVID-19 vaccine researcher Professor Paul Young in his home: a converted church. Picture: Richard Walker

The couple installed stain glass windows to add to the atmosphere.

Whether or not God is involved in the workings of this scientist’s brain, he reports that his team at the university are right on track with the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are of course fast tracking and we hoped that human trials would begin early July and we made it, we are right on target. The work began in late January and already we are doing preclinical animal work in the background. We are pleased with the success,” he said.

Professor Paul Young with State Development Minister Kate Jones. Picture: Richard Walker

The University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences’ molecular clamp vaccine produced a strong immune reaction in mice and is now being tested on ferrets and hamsters in the Netherlands.

“We owe a lot to the Queensland Government and philanthropic donors who have made our work possible,” he said.

The funding package to fast track the vaccine included $10 million from the State Government, $3 million from the Federal Government and $3.5 million from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.