Collaborative research in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is essential to preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, protect public health, and ensure a sustainable future where these life-saving drugs remain effective against bacterial infections. Close cross-border cooperation is crucial to understand differences and find solutions as national borders are no barrier for the spread of resistant infections. By sharing data and knowledge, collaborative efforts enhance our understanding of AMR mechanisms, aiding in the early detection and containment of resistant strains.
Over the years, AMS Insight has organised a successful yearly conference for infection control professionals. After a keynote by Prof Vellinga in 2022 and discussions to include a wider audience, its potential was explored by organising a collaborative conference with CARA. With 90 participants and including more researchers and academics from around the Island of Ireland, this showed to be a success. This application for funding will build on the momentum and expand the scope of this conference.
The overarching objective is to support, develop and implement a collaborative approach to the challenges and future of AMR and infection control bringing together professionals, researchers and academics. Working with our partners in Northern Ireland (MOIC and QUB) as well as AMS Insight, TCD and UCC, participants are encouraged to share their research, demonstrate interventions, propose new collaborations and present new methodologies.
The conference bringing together professionals and researchers, will be free of charge and offer CPD points. A pre-conference specifically aimed at AMR researchers will showcase One-Health projects and encourage networking.