In the MARA project (Molecular Analytical Robotics Assays), researchers are developing new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections as part of a European consortium. The project receives funding under the FET Open scheme of the EU Horizon 2020 Programme.
To meet these ambitious objectives, the project is driven by a multidisciplinary team of internationally leading experts.

The worldwide spread of multidrug resistant pathogens poses a great challenge to national healthcare sectors. The frequent use of antibiotics has led to a rise in antibiotic resistance which accounts for a growing number of deaths and also imposes an enormous burden on our healthcare system.

Alternative treatment strategies need to be developed and efficient epidemiological control measures implemented in order to prevent the further spread of multidrug resistant pathogens. Effective epidemiological control requires large-scale analysis of all patients potentially infected with bacterial pathogens as well as environmental samples. However, these analyses are currently not carried out for financial reasons.