#South Korea #Seoul #Seegene #Nature Awards #UTI-DR

Introduction

The 2025-2026 edition of the Nature Awards MDx Impact Grants has officially opened for applications, as announced by Seegene Inc., a global leader in molecular diagnostics, in partnership with Springer Nature. This year's program aims at tackling a significant global health issue: antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections (UTI-DR).

Program Overview

Launched on September 9, 2025, the grants are designed to support innovative researchers addressing critical clinical challenges related to UTI-DR. Applications will be accepted until November 20, with the winners to be announced in August 2026. Selected researchers stand a chance to secure funding of up to $600,000 and gain access to Seegene’s syndromic PCR assays, technologies, and software, which are instrumental in developing groundbreaking diagnostic solutions.

Objectives and Goals

The primary objective of this grant initiative is to bolster Seegene’s Technology-Sharing Initiative and enhance access to molecular diagnostics, thereby facilitating more effective health solutions. Since its inception in 2023, this program has invited global researchers to present their ideas for product development and clinical research projects. Applicants can suggest up to 18 resistance genes known to be associated with urinary tract infections as possible targets for their studies.

Statement from Partners

Richard Hughes, Vice President of Publishing at Springer Nature, remarked, "As one of the leading scientific publishers, we strive to create platforms that connect researchers and foster innovative research. Through this program, we aim to support the development of diagnostic solutions that can improve healthcare worldwide."

In parallel, Dr. Jik Young Park, Vice President and Head of R&D at Seegene, emphasized the company’s commitment. "Our mission is to equip researchers with the tools and technologies necessary to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions. By collaborating closely with Springer Nature, we are not only providing financial support but also granting access to our syndromic PCR technologies, driving the advancement of molecular diagnostics and moving towards a world free from diseases."

Bridging Research to Reality

The Nature Awards MDx Impact Grants serve to supplement ongoing global initiatives within the diagnostics sector, providing researchers with essential resources to expedite the translation of their findings into practical solutions. For the 2024-2025 funding cycle, the focus was on projects aimed at rapid detection of ViruResist Klebsiella pneumoniae and the development of multiplex PCR assays for virus detection in immunocompromised patients.

About Seegene

Seegene boasts over 24 years of experience in R&D, manufacturing, and distribution of syndromic real-time PCR technologies. Their expertise became particularly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic when the company distributed more than 340 million COVID-19 tests to over 100 countries worldwide. A hallmark of Seegene's syndromic real-time PCR technology is its capability to simultaneously test for 14 pathogens that cause similar symptoms in a single tube, providing quantitative insights.

For further information, visit Seegene’s website or follow them on LinkedIn.

About Nature Portfolio

Nature Portfolio offers high-quality products and services in the fields of life sciences, physics, chemistry, and applied sciences to support scientific endeavor worldwide. Established in 1869, the journal "Nature" stands as the premier weekly journal of science globally. The Nature Portfolio also includes "Nature Research" and "Nature Reviews," as well as leading multidisciplinary open-access journals like "Nature Communications" and others. These platforms host some of the world’s most significant scientific breakthroughs.

Nature Portfolio engages over nine million visitors monthly through nature.com, where it provides news, commentary, and a leading academic career platform. Further resources and services for researchers are detailed on its website.

Conclusion

The Nature Awards MDx Impact Grants represent a significant opportunity for researchers dedicated to addressing some of the substantial challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by the set deadline, as this initiative aims to yield innovative diagnostic solutions and foster collaborative scientific advancement globally.