AMR Centre Launch
More information and recordings available here.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to life as we know it. Our health care practices, systems and economies have come to rely on antimicrobial medicines. These substances have provided protection against the worst effects of infectious disease, such as sepsis, and have allowed for the development of modern medical technologies, such as hip replacements and chemotherapy. As we document growing levels of microbial resistance to these medicines, the eyes of the world turn to consider a future without this safety net. The causes and impacts of AMR are not confined to biological, environmental, clinical, social or economic domains, nor is it constrained by geographic boundaries.
Scientists at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine have been producing high quality research to identify and understand AMR mechanisms, clinical management, economic and social impact. This launch event aims to illustrate and stimulate multi- and inter-disciplinary and international engagements in AMR research across the School.
Two panel sessions will provoke discussion on (1) the values of different disciplinary approaches to AMR research, and (2) the ways in which disciplines can effectively work together to address AMR. Pannellists will comprise the Antimicrobial Resistance Centre’s five Heads of Disciplines and three prominent researchers who currently lead interdisciplinary and international AMR projects at LSHTM.
The event will close with a keynote talk from Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for the United Kingdom. Dame Sally has been at the forefront of an international campaign for action on antimicrobial resistance, leading to the United Nations General Assembly declaration in September 2016. She will challenge us to consider areas of most urgent need for research, and will reflect on the needs for science that draws across different disciplinary perspectives and that engages with the range of settings in which AMR needs to be addressed around the globe.
Participants are then invited to a networking reception to make connections across disciplinary and geographic boundaries, seeking topics of mutual concern which may benefit from engaging with different perspectives. The Centre’s Heads of Disciplines will also be available to discuss disciplinary-specific developments and ideas for the Centre.
Programme:
13:30-13:50 Introductory Talks
- LSHTM Centres – why AMR? – Professor Anne Mills
- Our strengths – disciplines and countries – Dr Richard Stabler
- Our vision for the Centre – Dr Clare Chandler
13:50-15:00 Panel 1: Disciplinary pillars
- Humanities and Environmental Sciences – Dr John Manton
- Biological and Pharmacological Sciences – Dr Sam Willcocks
- Economic, Social and Political Sciences – Henry Lishi Li
- Clinical and Veterinary Sciences – Dr Heidi Hopkins
- Epidemiology and Modelling – Dr Laith Yakob
- Discussion – Chair, Professor Sharon Peacock
15:00-15:30 Refreshments
15:30-16:45 Panel 2: Interdisciplinary projects
- Developing AMR Surveillance in low and middle income settings – Dr Anna Seale
- Back to basics: Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections – Dr Susannah Woodd
- Genomics and diagnostics – Professor Martin Hibberd
- Discussion – Chair, Professor Kara Hanson
17:15 Keynote speech: AMR – The challenges
Professor Dame Sally Davies, introduced by Professor Peter Piot
18:15 Reception
