📅 Implementation: Feb 2025 – Jan 2028 (20 months)
💶 Total Budget: €2,266,696.33 | ERDF Contribution: €1,813,357.05
🤝 Partners: 3 partner organisations
🎯 Type: Standard project | Health & Social Inclusion | RS04.5

Summary

METAGEN addresses the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in the Romania–Hungary border region by strengthening expertise in advanced bacterial genome sequencing and modern diagnostic workflows. The project responds to gaps in capacity and access by introducing state-of-the-art technologies and supporting joint professional development for healthcare specialists on both sides of the border.
Through targeted training, equipment upgrades, and cross-border cooperation, METAGEN improves healthcare system resilience, supports evidence-based treatment decisions, and contributes to equitable access to modern diagnostic solutions.

Project Aim

To ensure equitable access to healthcare and strengthen the resilience of health systems in the ROHU border region by introducing advanced diagnostic workflows and joint capacity building.

Objectives

✅ Introduce state-of-the-art metagenomic sequencing and diagnostic technologies
✅ Analyse up to 8,000 clinical specimens using advanced workflows
✅ Build professional capacity through joint training and knowledge exchange
✅ Strengthen cross-border cooperation in infectious disease management
✅ Support evidence-based responses to antimicrobial resistance

Key Activities & Results

🔹 Infrastructure & Equipment Development – Establishment of a Romanian Metagenomic Reference Center at the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timișoara and modernization of microbiology and laboratory medicine facilities at the University of Szeged.
🔹 Advanced Diagnostic Capacities – Introduction of Nanopore sequencing workflows and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring systems using LC-MS technology.
🔹 Joint Capacity Building – Organisation of 7 joint trainings for 60 participants and 2 joint workshops for 40 participants, involving microbiologists, technicians, and clinicians.
🔹 Professional Networks – Establishment of the ROHU Medical Expert Team, bringing together 24 experienced microbiologists from Romania and Hungary.
🔹 Data & Protocol Development – Development of protocols for metagenomic analysis, a cross-border antibiotic resistance gene database, and a joint action plan supporting surveillance and intervention.

By advancing diagnostic innovation and professional cooperation, METAGEN strengthens healthcare resilience and contributes to the fight against antimicrobial resistance in the cross-border region.

Partnership

Lead Partner: “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara (RO)
Project Partners: University of Szeged (HU); Oncohelp Association (RO)

For more details, consult the project fact sheet. 

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