The IMPACT AntiBioResistance (ABR) project, supported by the I-SITE Initiative d’Excellence Lorraine and part of the UNYS dynamic, aims to better understand and limit the spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance. It is based on a comprehensive “One Health” and multi-scale approach, ranging from the molecular level to the ecosystem, in order to develop strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. Several areas will be explored: dissemination mechanisms, aggravating factors, and potential barrier effects. Another major objective of the project is to strengthen societal engagement in the fight against antibiotic resistance. This interdisciplinary programme brings together 13 research teams from Lorraine, 7 technical platforms, and a network of local and national partners.
On January 30, 2026, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of the Université de Lorraine hosted the kick-off seminar of the IMPACT ABR project, bringing together fifty researchers, faculty members, and academic and institutional partners around this major public health challenge.
The morning began with an introduction by Benoît Grasser, Executive Director of I-SITE, who provided context regarding the ambitions of both the I-SITE, UNYS and IMPACT project, followed by Sophie Payot-Lacroix, principal investigator, who presented its scientific objectives.
The three work packages (WPs) were then introduced by their respective leaders:
- WP1, presented by Aurélie Pourrez, featured a seminar by Cyril Masselot (CIMEOS, Besançon) on territorial intelligence and awareness-raising in the field of antibiotic resistance.
- WP2, presented by Virginie Libante, featured a presentation by Sarah Bigot (MMSB, Lyon) on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance through bacterial conjugation.
- WP3, presented by Christophe Merlin, followed by a seminar by Delphine Destoumieux Garzon (IHPE, Montpellier) on the circulation and spread of antibiotic resistance in coastal marine environments.
The afternoon continued with an extended steering committee meeting, marking the operational launch of the project. The seminar laid the scientific and collaborative foundations of the ABR project, whose ambition is to advance understanding of the spread of antibiotic resistance and to develop innovative mediation strategies to mitigate its impact.