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Seegene and Springer Nature Launch New Grant Program

In an effort to tackle the pressing public health challenge of antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections (UTI-DR), Seegene Inc., a global leader in molecular diagnostics, has partnered with Springer Nature to announce the launch of the Nature Awards MDx Impact program for the years 2025-2026. Researchers worldwide are invited to submit their applications until November 20, 2025, and winners will be announced in August 2026.

Focus on Antibiotic Resistance

The current program focuses specifically on the development of diagnostic solutions that can address the ever-growing concern of antibiotic resistance. With improper use and over-prescription of antibiotics leading to significant health threats, the program seeks innovative ideas and research projects that can revolutionize how infections are diagnosed and treated.

Participants are encouraged to propose up to 18 resistant genes associated with urinary infections that can serve as targets for tests, illustrating a clear alignment with the immediate clinical needs. Awardees will receive funding of up to $600,000 to support their research, alongside access to Seegene's advanced PCR (polymerase chain reaction) syndromic testing technologies, which includes vital instruments and software crucial for research development.

Goals of the Grant Program

Richard Hughes, Vice President of Publishing at Springer Nature, emphasizes the importance of fostering a global scientific community. He stated, “As a leading scientific publisher, Springer Nature is committed to building platforms that connect scientists and support innovative research. Through this program, we want to assist researchers in developing diagnostic solutions that can transform healthcare worldwide.” The collaboration signifies a significant step towards bridging the gap between innovative research and practical healthcare solutions.

Dr. Jik Young Park, Vice President of Research and Development at Seegene, echoed this commitment, reinforcing Seegene’s dedication to providing researchers with tools and technologies that can turn innovative ideas into actionable solutions. “In close cooperation with Springer Nature, we support global research efforts by offering funding and access to our syndromic PCR technologies. Through these initiatives, we aim to accelerate the evolution of molecular diagnostics and move closer to our vision of a ‘world free of all diseases.’”

Previous Successes

The Nature Awards MDx Impact grants are designed to complement existing global diagnostic initiatives and provide researchers the necessary resources to propel practical solutions into the forefront. The previous cycle of 2024-2025 saw projects focusing on rapid detection of ViruResist Klebsiella pneumoniae and multiplex PCR tests for virus detection in immunocompromised patients, underscoring the program's commitment to addressing critical health issues significantly.

Additionally, Seegene has built its reputation based on over 20 years of expertise in R&D, manufacturing, and commercializing real-time PCR syndromic technologies. The company's stellar contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering more than 340 million tests across over 100 countries, reflects its robust presence in global diagnostics.

Seegene's patented syndromic quantitative PCR technology allows for the simultaneous detection of up to 14 pathogens causing similar symptoms, highlighting its capability to provide extensive insights into co-infections and relevant data for complex infection treatment. By employing multi-tube testing panels, the technology can expand its coverage to dozens of clinically relevant pathogens.

In line with its technology-sharing initiatives, Seegene combines its syndromic quantitative PCR technology with its Digital Development System to foster collaborative development of diagnostic products tailored to local needs alongside leading institutions and experts worldwide. This strategy underscores their commitment to global collaboration in pursuit of creating a ‘world free of all diseases.’

For further details, visit Seegene.com and follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our initiatives and partnerships.

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