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Seegene and Springer Nature Announce MDx Impact Grants

Seegene Inc., a global leader in molecular diagnostics, has unveiled the opening of the MDx Impact Grants as part of the Nature Awards for the 2025-2026 cycle in collaboration with Springer Nature. This initiative is specifically focused on addressing antibiotic resistance related to urinary tract infections (UTI-DR), which represents a pressing challenge in public health worldwide.

Background of the MDx Impact Grants

Launched in 2023, this funding program invites researchers around the globe to propose innovative ideas for product development and clinical studies that tackle unmet clinical needs in the field of drug-resistant infections. Participants are encouraged to test up to 18 resistance genes linked to urinary tract infections, a prevalent concern given the rise of antibiotic resistance.

Grant winners will be awarded up to $600,000 to support their research initiatives, accompanied by access to Seegene's full suite of syndromic PCR tests, consumables, and diagnostic equipment. The goal is not merely to provide monetary assistance, but to foster advancements in molecular diagnostics that can transform healthcare delivery.

Importance of Addressing Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a significant threat to global health, necessitating urgent action from the scientific community. The MDx Impact Grants aim to spur innovation by providing researchers with the tools and resources necessary to develop effective diagnostic solutions. As Richard Hughes, Vice President of Publishing at Springer Nature, states, “Through this program, we aim to assist scientists in creating diagnostic solutions that can revolutionize healthcare across the globe.”

Seegene’s Vice President, Dr. Jik Young Park, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for scientific progress. “Our mission is to equip scientists and researchers with the technology that can advance innovative ideas into tangible solutions,” he remarked. By collaborating closely with Springer Nature, Seegene hopes to support comprehensive research efforts, granting access to funding and state-of-the-art syndromic PCR technology.

Grant Application Process

World-class scientists are encouraged to submit their proposals by the application deadline of November 20. The final recipients of the grants will be announced in August 2026, marking the culmination of a rigorous selection process aimed at identifying the most promising research initiatives.

Previous Grant Cycles

The 2024-2025 cycle supported rapid detection projects for Klebsiella pneumoniae infections and multiplex PCR analyses for viruses affecting immunocompromised patients. These examples highlight the commitment to addressing urgent public health challenges through scientific innovation.

About Seegene

Seegene Inc. stands as a pioneer in molecular diagnostics with over 20 years of expertise in research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization of real-time syndromic PCR technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seegene delivered more than 340 million tests across 100 countries, firmly establishing its role as a global leader in the field.

The patented technology utilized by Seegene allows simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens associated with similar symptoms in a single sample, enhancing clinical outcomes through broad coverage of clinically significant pathogens. This approach provides crucial insights for managing complex infections and offers quantitative analysis, setting Seegene apart in the diagnostics industry.

Global Collaboration and Future Vision

Seegene’s initiative to share its technology aims at co-developing diagnostic products with leading institutions and experts worldwide, tailored to meet local healthcare needs. This collaboration underscores Seegene’s commitment to advancing global health and fulfilling its vision of a “world without diseases.”

For more details, visit Seegene's official website and follow them on LinkedIn.

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is a premier global scientific publisher dedicated to creating platforms that connect researchers and enhance innovative research. Their portfolio includes highly respected journals such as Nature and various open-access formats that disseminate significant scientific findings to the community. For more information, visit Nature's website.