InfectoGnostics

InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena

Breaking New Ground in Infection Diagnostics

Confocal Raman microscopy is a high-resolution imaging technique: The combination of optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy enables the examination of pathogens that cause infections of the upper respiratory tract. (Source: InfectoGnostics / European Commission)

A reliable diagnosis is the precondition for the efficient and personalized treatment of infectious diseases. In addition to using non-invasive and thus more patient-friendly methods to identify bacteria, viruses or fungi in general, it is also important to detect antimicrobial resistances in order to safeguard the basis for correct antibiotic treatment decisions. Novel rapid tests could enable medical practicioners to identify types of pathogens and potential resistances very quickly. With its rapid and highly efficient diagnostic methods, InfectoGnostics plays a major role in fighting the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistances.

The InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena is breaking new ground in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and infection research. Latest scientific findings from the areas of infection research, optics and photonics, molecular biology and microfluidics are being swiftly translated into application-oriented, analytical methods to support patients. In this way, the triad of technology, application and production is presenting mature solutions which enable timely and cost-effective point-of-care testing of infections in human medicine and test systems for animal diseases as well as making it possible to detect food-borne pathogens.

The research campus brings together scientists, physicians and industry representatives from around 20 contractual and organizational partner institutions. InfectoGnostics thus serves as an incubator for new ideas and methods which the companies involved can turn into mature products, thereby bringing real benefit to patients. The Centre for Applied Research (ZAF) in Jena is the hub of this interdisciplinary cooperation with over 1,000 square metres of laboratories and offices under one roof where researchers from different institutions meet and collaborate on a regular basis. The strategic partnership between science and industry is aimed at establishing a European centre for infection diagnostics in Jena, which will distinguish itself by providing excellent research and advanced training in synergy with basic research, application and translation.

Partners in the Research Campus