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School of the Biological Sciences

 

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global challenge, where bacteria are becoming resistant to the antibiotics that once killed them, making infections harder to treat. To keep pace with these evolving superbugs, scientists across the University of Cambridge are developing next-generation strategies to stay ahead of these dangerous bacteria. Combining cutting-edge technology, genomics and medical research, alongside engagement with lived experience partners, policy makers and industry collaborators, our research teams are working to create effective, long-lasting solutions to ensure that life-saving antibiotic medicines remain powerful for future generations.

 

 

Cambridge AMR Network

Recent analysis across biological, clinical and technological sciences at Cambridge identified research expertise spanning the breadth of the World Health Organisation (WHO) bacterial priority pathogens lists, 2024. These bacterial pathogens are of significant public health importance and are the focus of strategic research and development which aims to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance.

Working across disciplinary boundaries, Cambridge scientists in the AMR Network are driving a step change in antimicrobial resistance, delivering new biological insights to inform scientific, clinical and policy strategies.

Recent Highlights

#Policy

Antimicrobial resistance: it's time for global action - Wellcome Trust

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of our greatest public health threats. We need collective, evidence-based action to control the escalating burden of drug-resistant infections.

Read more about Wellcome's policy brief

 

#Engagement

The scientist reducing the rise of superbugs by talking to farmers

Chioma Achi is helping farmers in Nigeria to reduce infection in livestock and use fewer antibiotics in animal feed. Her work was highlighted in the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Impact and Engagement Awards.

Read more about Chioma's work

 

 

#Research

COVID-19 showed the importance of genomic surveillance – we need it to help fight antimicrobial resistance

International group of researchers is calling for genomic surveillance to be harnessed to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global challenge that could ultimately result in many more deaths than the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more about the report

Contributing Researchers

Alex Almeida, Veterinary Medicine

Kate S Baker, Genetics

Somenath Bakshi, Engineering

Ronita Bardhan, Architecture

Tanmay Bharat, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Josie Bryant, Wellcome Sanger Institute

Sundeep Chaitanya Vedithi, Medicine

Pietro Cicuta, Physics

Andrew Conway Morris, Medicine

Nik Cunniffe, Plant Sciences

Andres Floto, Medicine

Andrew Grant, Veterinary Medicine

Antoine Hocher, Genetics

Marko Hyvönen, Biochemistry

John Lees, EMBL-EBI

Stephanie Lo, Wellcome Sanger Institute

Ben Luisi, Biochemistry

Harisree Paramel Nair, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

Julian Parkhill, Veterinary Medicine

Kiran Patil, MRC Toxicology Unit and Biochemistry

Taufiq Rahman, Pharmacology

Julian Rayner, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research

Olivier Restif, Veterinary Medicine

Jeanne Salje, Pathology and Biochemistry

James Thaventhiran, MRC Toxicology Unit

Flavio Toxvaerd, Faculty of Economics

Hendrik van Veen, Pharmacology

Caray Walker, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

Lucy Weinert, Veterinary Medicine

John Welch, Genetics

Martin Welch, Biochemistry

Fleur Whitlock, Veterinary Medicine

James Wood, Veterinary Medicine

Ashraf Zarkan, Genetics

Work with us

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with industry partners, policy makers and academics. If you are interested in working with us, please contact Dr Abi Herrmann, Research Strategy Manager.