SOUTHAMPTON scientists have been handed a huge grant by one of the wealthiest couples in the world – to design vaccines for two killer diseases.

Researchers at the University of Southampton have been given $100,000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help with their pioneering work.

The cash will go towards creating new vaccines that give protection against the bacteria that cause pneumonia and meningitis.

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It was one of just 76 special science grants handed out in a global funding giveaway by the Gates Foundation – the charitable body set up by the mega-rich co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, pictured.

The Southampton team, led by microbiologist Dr Jeremy Webb, will aim to create vaccines to stop bacteria ganging together and forming a defence layer, or ‘biofilm’, against antibiotics and the body’s immune system.

By targeting biofilms, researchers hope to reduce the mortality associated with meningitis and pneumonia.

The team will be joining forces with colleagues at the University of Bristol and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Dr Webb said: “The opportunity provided by Bill and Melinda Gates is fantastic for us because it provides us with the funding we need to get this new idea off the ground.

“If this project is successful we really hope this will lead to more funding. It will also lead to a reduction in mortality from meningitis and pneumonia and will help to improve health in developing countries.”

Dr Tachi Yamada, president of the Gates Foundation’s Global Health Program, added: “The winners of these grants show the bold thinking we need to tackle some of the world’s greatest health challenges. I’m excited about their ideas and look forward to seeing some of these exploratory projects turn into life-saving breakthroughs.”