Antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance
World leaders in antimicrobial resistance research. Our work incorporates a broad range of approaches to the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Aims of the research
The Institute of Institute of Microbiology and Infection (IMI) is a world leader in antimicrobial resistance research. Our work incorporates a broad range of approaches to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. Using our high throughput drug discovery facilities we are developing novel antimicrobials against a range of pathogens from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis to multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Interdisciplinary research is key to our strategy including novel drug design and creating 'smart surfaces', to combat biofilms and infection transmission, to vaccine development.
Research into mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance includes studying cell wall synthesis in bacteria to studying efflux pumps and their role in development of antimicrobial resistance. Elsewhere in IMI, research focuses on the spread of antimicrobial resistance via plasmids and the role of the gut microbiome in dissemination of resistance. We have a major focus on using advanced genomic tools to study the evolution and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance including large scale genomic epidemiology.
Funding comes from a wide range of sources including BBSRC, MRC, a Wellcome funded doctoral training program on antimicrobial resistance in collaboration with University of Nottingham, and various industrial and NGO partners, including the World Health Organisation via the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership.
Principal Investigators