Flagship programme

Infectious diseases account for a millions of deaths worldwide, whereas rapidly increasing numbers and widening distribution of pathogenic microbes that are resistant to antimicrobial drugs are current and cause serious threats to the successful treatment of many infectious diseases.

There are many reasons for this crisis, but the problem is severely aggravated by the lack of progress in antibiotic innovation during the past 25 years. As the need for novel antibiotics is hardly answered by private research, a natural and proactive role for academia and precompetitive public private partnerships is apparent. In addition, improved hygiene, infection prevention monitoring and control programs should reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

The ultimate goal of the theme Molecular Life and Health is to Tackle the Antimicrobial Challenge (Read more). This flagship programme unites ample local expertise, efforts and results from core research to address this eminent societal problem.