Mark Brönstrup

Prof. Dr. Mark Brönstrup serves as Partner Site Speaker for the Hannover-Braunschweig site at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), leading cutting-edge research in novel anti-infective development. His work focuses on identifying and optimizing antibacterial and antiviral agents through advanced screening platforms and rational design approaches within the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) framework.

His research spans antibacterial discovery against WHO priority pathogens like carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAFAP project), antiviral development for pandemic preparedness (Nucleoside Booster Project), and host-pathogen interaction studies in cirrhotic patients (TIPINF project). Key methodologies include high-throughput compound screening, natural product exploration, and rational molecular design to overcome resistance mechanisms while minimizing toxicity.

Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals strong emphasis on novel antibiotic scaffolds (cystobactamids, terephthalic acids), resistance-breaking strategies (Trojan horse siderophores, mutant enzyme targeting), and toxicity mitigation (colistin prodrugs). The work consistently addresses WHO priority pathogens through diverse approaches including virulence inhibition, redox disruption, and targeted delivery systems.

No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the source material. Details regarding student advising or specific grant funding were not provided, though his leadership in multi-institutional DZIF projects implies significant collaborative funding. His research group operates within HZI's Antibiotics screening and hit generation working group, leveraging EU OPENSCREEN infrastructure and collaborating across German academic medical centers including Hannover Medical School and TU Braunschweig.