This is the question at the heart of SURE-AMR project, a Horizon Europe initiative that aims to improve Ukraine’s response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) while reinforcing the country’s research and innovation ecosystem. By supporting the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IMBG) of the NAS of Ukraine in Kyiv, the project combines scientific excellence, institutional development, and science diplomacy to address one of the world’s most pressing health threats.
Addressing a growing health challenge
Antimicrobial resistance is increasingly recognized as a global threat to public health. Resistant infections make diseases harder to treat, increase healthcare costs, and place additional pressure on already strained health systems.
In Ukraine, these challenges are compounded by the consequences of the ongoing war, including complex trauma injuries, increased infection risks, and growing demands on healthcare services.
Against this backdrop, SURE-AMR has advanced in several areas now that the project has reached its mid-term. Areas that are structured around three interconnected pillars: Advancing research and knowledge on antimicrobial resistance under One Health approach. Strengthening IMBG’s institutional capacity and at the same time Ukraine’s research and innovation system. And using science diplomacy to accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area (ERA).
Scientific excellence
SURE-AMR has strengthened capacities in areas such as genomic sequencing, pathogen surveillance, and innovative AMR prevention and treatment strategies. Five researchers from IMBG have already been trained in next-generation sequencing methodologies, while additional researchers and public health professionals have benefited from workshops and mobility programmes. Project results have also been showcased at major international conferences, including ESCMID Global and FEMS MICRO.
Institutional capacity
SURE-AMR is supporting research management, internationalization, and participation in competitive European funding programmes. Activities have included training for research managers and exchange of best practices, for example with the mobility program that took place in May 2026, and the development of recommendations for improving institutional processes and international collaboration.
Strategic positioning through science diplomacy
The project is building partnerships with European institutions, ministries, international organizations and public health stakeholders, including the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and regional disease control institutions. These collaborations help improve research, AMR surveillance and health policies, while strengthening Ukraine’s research and healthcare systems and its role in the European scientific community.
SURE-AMR is on the right track in strengthening Ukraine’s position within the European Research Area, as well as in contributing to the modernization and resilience of its research and innovation ecosystem. Also, in helping lay the foundations for a stronger national response to antimicrobial resistance and deeper integration of Ukrainian science into the European research community.
