Li Ka Shing Foundation has given a grant of $28 million to University of Alberta to establish a research centre for viral studies. This is the biggest ever single grant received by the university.

This facility aims to develop new cures, vaccines and undertake research to lessen the impact of viral infections.

The upcoming institute plans to hire leading researchers to train graduate and undergraduate students in the field of virology and associated studies. The university already boasts of leading researchers like Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, who is developing a vaccine for Hepatitis B.

The university already receives a grant of $52.5 million from the province of Alberta. Researchers from the university are optimistic that it will lead to better research on Hepatitis. According to reports, 4,000 people around the world lose their life due to Hepatitis every day. It is still not considered a major threat to public health, according to experts.

The university's lead researcher, Tyrrell and his team have successfully developed lamivudine, the first oral antiviral medicine for chronic Hepatitis B. The university authorities mention that Dr. Michael Houghton, who discovered Hepatitis C, will join the university as a researcher by June.

Li Ka Shing Foundation is an international body which is based in China. It additionally supports education and culture and was set up by Li, a Hong Kong businessman with interests in media, biotechnology, energy and various other fields.

The foundation has also supported St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario and the University of Calgary.