CHAPEL HILL – Viruses are Carolina’s thing.

Whether it’s pioneering work in HIV by Dr. Mike Cohen or development of the drug remdesivir by Dr. Ralph Baric to treat COVID-19, the university has a focus – and a reputation – for taking on some of the world’s nastiest infections.

While professors teach the next generation, UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz says in the accompanying video, “These same individuals are the researchers, scholars, that are solving the grand challenges of our time.”

Guskiewicz outlines the many ways the university has responded to the coronavirus pandemic, from virologists like Baric developing treatments and vaccines, to epidemiologists, primary-care physicians and even economists projecting the costs of vaccines, medications and personal protective equipment.

And he talks about “convergent science” – researchers from multiple disciplines coming together to solve problems.

“It’s just a wonderful place of people who care deeply about improving the human condition – I think that’s what we do at Carolina,” he says.“With regard to research specific to viruses, I’m not sure there’s a place that does it any better.”