This Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) priority aims to support research focused on combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and research that underpins the development of strategies to mitigate the effects, for example, through novel alternatives to antimicrobials.
The priority includes research to:
- understand the fundamental microbiology of organisms with known resistance prevalence in order to understand how resistance develops and is maintained, and to develop mitigation strategies
- investigate the selection pressures for antimicrobial resistance and the dynamics of transmission at the genetic, organism and host level impacting on the design of measures to control resistance
- underpin the development of novel antimicrobials and alternatives to antimicrobials
- develop novel diagnostics to enable rapid identification of antimicrobial-resistant organisms or presence of resistance genes.
What’s covered
This priority covers AMR in microbes associated with animal, plant and soils systems, plus relevant understanding of how such resistance could lead to the transfer of AMR to human pathogens or human commensal bacteria. It also includes generic research on how resistance develops in any microbial species, research on alternatives to antimicrobials and novel antimicrobials of relevance to all species.
What’s not covered
This priority does not cover research focused solely on:
- AMR in human only pathogens
- transfer of AMR between humans
- alternative strategies to combat AMR in human specific diseases.
Research to combat infectious disease in animals that is not aimed specifically at combatting AMR would normally come under the priority on animal health.
Research to combat infectious disease in crops that is not aimed specifically at combatting AMR would normally come under the priority of sustainably enhancing agricultural production.
Outputs and impacts
Research will inform strategies for combatting the development of AMR in managed animals, crops and managed soil, with particular reference to the current situation in the UK. It will also underpin the development of novel alternatives of generic relevance to all species. Impacts on training and the future UK skills base should be considered.
It is anticipated that applicants proposing research on novel antimicrobials or alternatives to antimicrobials should demonstrate translational opportunities. For example, applicants could have an industrial partner involved with the application at some level or could indicate how the research might underpin future government policy.