The scientific research team on the novel coronavirus jointly set up by the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Harvard University, and Chinese real estate giant Evergrande Group held its second video meeting in Guangzhou on Feb 19.

The Evergrande Group will offer 800 million yuan ($114 million) to support the scientific research in the next five years, and the first phase of the fund worth 200 million yuan has been in place. 

The research group, formed by dozens of professionals from China and the United States, is led by Zhong Nanshan, renowned Chinese respiratory scientist, and George Q. Dale, dean of Harvard Medical School.

Cooperation will be carried out in 10 areas, spanning virus tracing, transmission route, as well as using traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and control the disease.

The Evergrande Group started strategic cooperation with Harvard University early in 2013, establishing three scientific centers covering immune diseases, green architecture, and digital science.

Xu Jiayin, chairman of the Evergrande Group, said that significant scientific outcomes will be achieved soon through the cooperation of outstanding experts from both China and the US, as well as the support from the group.