Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge whose importance cannot be overstated. It is predicted that by 2050 AMR could contribute to 10 million deaths annually, which is more than is currently due to cancer. Research will be at the core of efforts to confront the problem from all sides and move towards tangible solutions.
Across the UK, 150 PhD researchers, including six Ulster University PhD researchers from the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, have been invited to participate in a new National AMR PhD Training Programme which runs from the 12 – 17 August at the University of Bristol.
The six Ulster PhD researchers are Mary McCarron, Temilola Olanrewaju, Chris Procter, Jason Murray, Oluwashina Akinsanmi and Sara Gardner, and cover Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Engineering and Environmental Sciences, representing the interdisciplinary mix that the Medical Research Council (MRC) desires.
Professor James Dooley, Professor of Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, said:
“The World Health Organisation, in conjunction with a majority of national governments, has declared the spread of antibiotic resistance to be a global medical emergency. All stakeholders recognise that this problem will require interdisciplinary research collaboration and there will be no “quick fix.”
“This is a very significant national representation by Ulster and is testament to the variety of relevant AMR research taking place across the University.”