World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025

November 18-24 is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025 with the theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.” Over the coming days, we will feature ongoing research projects that address antimicrobial resistance using an interdisciplinary approach.  

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest global health threats of our time. As highlighted by the World Health Organisation, without urgent action, even minor infections could become untreatable within the next 30 years. 

At the IBME, we are proud to support a transformative research programme designed to tackle AMR through innovation and collaboration. The Beyond Antibiotics Programme Grant, led by Prof Eleanor Stride, brings together four interlinked work packages, which focus on addressing AMR through a one-health approach using: 

1. Human organoid models to study bacterial interactions with tissue and the microbiome. 
2. Advanced microscopy techniques for rapid bacterial characterisation and improved diagnostics. 
3. Novel antimicrobial therapeutics and targeted delivery systems to enhance existing treatments and develop alternatives. 
4. Drug-free infection treatments that boost immune function and offer scalable solutions for environmental and industrial use. 

These efforts are supported by translational activities to engage clinicians, industry partners, policymakers and the public to ensure the greatest impact. 

Together, we are working to safeguard the future of infection treatment. 

This research is funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) Programme Grant Scheme under the reference number EP/V026623/1.