Funding from UKRI to help create “step-change” in use of genomics to identify and control drug-resistant pathogens
Genomics, the study of all genetic material of an organism through high-throughput DNA sequencing techniques, could enable a “step-change” in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and new funding will enable researchers from across disciplines to jointly find solutions for implementing AMR genomics.
Funding from UKRI will support the creation of the Transdisciplinary Antimicrobial Resistance Genomics (TARGet) Network which will be jointly led by Professor Willem Van Schaik from the University of Birmingham and Professor Kate Baker of the University of Cambridge.
The TARGet network will utilise recent genomic advances to better understand AMR and leverage this information for surveillance, diagnostic, and infection prevention control practices. Furthermore, TARGet will provide opportunities for researchers from other disciplines to work together with sequencing and genomics scientists to address questions around the economic, social and ethical challenges in implementing this.
The TARGet network will bring together researchers from across the academy to tackle many of the challenges in taking AMR genomics from the bench to the bedside, barnyard and beyond.
The data from these studies will allow the application of ethically based AI tools and new technologies to support future prescribing in both human and veterinary medicine. The network will cover the needs of academia, business, NHS, social care settings and veterinary medicine.
Professor Willem van Schaik, Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection and network lead for the TARGet Network said:
“Genomic surveillance has been of key importance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and realising the potential of genomics in AMR could be a step change for tackle antimicrobial resistance by identifying antibiotic-resistant pathogens and informing infection controls.
“The TARGet network will bring together researchers from across the academy to tackle many of the challenges in taking AMR genomics from the bench to the bedside, barnyard and beyond. The network can enable economic research to make the case for scaled genomic surveillance in routine diagnostics and surveillance, research into the ethics around sample collection and data sharing, and social research to agree common goals around AMR genomics across health system stakeholders.
“TARGet seeks to provide this platform for the large, multi-disciplinary community of UK researchers that study different aspects of genomics to tackle the global challenge of AMR. The network will break down disciplinary silos that inhibit progress and translation in the AMR genomics field and deliver on the promises of AMR genomics to improve human and animal health.”
The TARGet network is one of eight new networks, combining different research specialisms, that will work together to tackle one of humanity’s biggest threats, antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The networks will share £4.8 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), awarded as part of its tackling infections strategic theme. This programme will continue next year with a new opportunity for ambitious new transdisciplinary research programmes, drawing on a dedicated budget of at least £7 million.
The new networks will support diverse teams of AMR researchers, ranging from specialists in agriculture, food and the environment to human and animal medicine, policy and behavioral studies, engineering and social science. Together they’ll develop new partnerships and approaches to tackling AMR across sectors and disciplines, including culture, economics, behaviour, biomedical and physical sciences, design and engineering, environmental sciences and more.
Dr Colin Miles, Head of Strategy, Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Growth at UKRI, said:
“Tackling the creeping pandemic of anti-microbial resistance – increasing resistance to antibiotics – is a large, complex problem. Ten million people each year are expected to lose their lives to it by 2050.
“Rather than taking single-discipline approaches, we need researchers from across disciplines to come together and look at all aspects of the problem – from human behaviour and how we grow crops and rear animals for consumption to how we manage the environment or use technology, clinical management strategies or challenge established cultural norms.”
Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection
Contact information and biography for Professor Willem van Schaik, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Birmingham.
