03.11.2025
Successful kick-off: Research Alliance Leibniz INFECTIONS launches new funding phase
On 29 and 30 October 2025, the members of the Research Alliance Leibniz INFECTIONS met for their 10th plenary meeting at the Research Centre Borstel, Leibniz Lung Centre (FZB). To mark the start of the new funding period, they presented the results of completed research projects and introduced new ones.
Research at Leibniz INFECTIONS focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR means that pathogens such as bacteria or fungi become resistant to drugs. This means that drugs that used to be effective no longer help. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes this development as one of the greatest threats to global public health. ‘Every year, more than 1.2 million people die from pathogens that are resistant to common drugs,’ said Professor Ulrich Schaible, spokesperson for the network and director of the FZB, in his welcome address. The research alliance Leibniz INFECTIONS addresses this global challenge through interdisciplinary research that transcends disciplinary boundaries. Biologists, agricultural scientists, ecologists, economists and social scientists work together to better understand how resistance develops and spreads – and to develop strategies to contain it.
Exchange and review of previous research
Around 50 members and the Scientific Advisory Board attended the 10th General Assembly at the Research Centre Borstel's manor house, with additional participants joining online. Before to the official meeting, new doctoral students had the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with experienced young researchers in a dedicated workshop.
A highlight of the first day was the presentation of final reports from projects completed during the previous funding phase. Young scientists and their supervisors presented their projects in seven short talks. Topics included the unequal availability and quality of antibiotics in the Global South, resistance genes and how they spread across farms, and water as a transport route and reservoir for antimicrobial resistance.
Looking ahead: new partners, new projects
The second day focused on the future. The new research agenda builds on previous findings and is supplemented by new expertise within the network. New project partners include the Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP) in Berlin and the Leibniz Research Network on Active Substances, which is led by the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) in Halle. Seven new projects were presented and discussed in the plenary session. Afterwards, the project teams from the various institutes met to plan their joint work in detail.
The new funding phase will expand the previously predominantly observational AMR research to include experimental approaches, greater involvement of fungal pathogens and environmental sources, and investigations into antimicrobial compounds in agricultural crops. Innovative approaches, such as the use of bacteriophages – viruses that can infect and destroy bacteria – will be explored in more depth. Research will also include other opportunistic pathogens such as non-tuberculous mycobacteria and certain pathogenic fungi. Moreover, Leibniz INFECTIONS aims to communicate its scientific findings and activities even more effectively to the public and policy-makers.
Recognition by the Scientific Advisory Board
In the concluding plenary session, the Scientific Advisory Board commended the positive development of the network. ‘The projects presented align closely with the consortium’s scientific focus and are supported by several high-quality publications,’ said Professor Jan Buer from Essen University Hospital on behalf of the Scientific Advisory Board. He was particularly impressed by the cooperative spirit within the consortium and the convincing presentations given by the doctoral researchers. Professor Michaela Lackner from the Medical University of Innsbruck, a new member of the advisory board, added: ‘It is remarkable what you have built here and how you truly bring interdisciplinarity to life.’
About the Research Alliance Leibniz INFECTIONS
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an increasing global threat to human and animal health. Since 2015, the Research Alliance Leibniz INFECTIONS has been investigating the spread of infections using the One Health approach – recognising the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment. Since 2021, the network has focused specifically on the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. 16 Leibniz Institutes and partner institutions – including the Robert Koch Institute and the Friedrich Loeffler Institute – collaborate closely within this network. This unique combination of biomedical, zoological, agricultural, climate, social and economic expertise enables an integrated understanding of AMR. The aim is to identify causes and risks, develop countermeasures and design strategies to curb the spread of resistant pathogens in the long term – for the health of humans, animals and the environment.
Further information: https://leibnizinfections.de
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schaible, spokesperson for the Research Alliance Leibniz INFECTIONS and director of the Research Centre Borstel, Leibniz Lung Centre, welcomed around 50 participants to the 10th meeting. ©Kerstin Pukall
Exchange on equal terms: new doctoral researchers connect with with their predecessors. ©Kerstin Pukall
Twice a year, the members of Leibniz INFECTIONS meet at one of the participating institutes to discuss joint projects. ©Kerstin Pukall