Our One Health approach to antimicrobial resistance.
At the University of Exeter we recognise that antimicrobial resistance is an issue on a global scale. Our research stretches from fundamental lab work right through to influencing global policies on the issue.
Our teams are committed to developing new ways to reduce antibiotic resistance, minimise antibiotic use, create alternative treatments, and tackle the major health and food threat from anti-fungal resistance.
Combating AMR with innovation
Discover how our vital research is helping the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
In focus
Stemming the tide of AMR in the natural environment
The prevalence of AMR in the environment starkly highlights the complex cycle of antimicrobial use and spread of resistance.
"AMR is not just a medical problem. It’s also a threat to crops, to food security and to animals.
This interconnection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment demands a collaborative, trans-disciplinary, One Health approach to finding solutions."
Professor Neil Gow
Professor of Microbiology
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research
Tackling antibiotic use in the clinic
Examples of resistance have been recorded against virtually every class of antibiotic and antifungal drug ever developed, meaning that their use is often compromised or ineffective
Fungal resistance – an under-recognised crisis with massive global impact
Antifungal resistance is less recognised amid the AMR challenge, yet fungal diseases affect billions of people each year and are responsible for approximately 1.5 million deaths per year worldwide.
Professor William Gaze
Professor of Microbiology
01326259429
Environment and Sustainability Institute 2.06
University of Exeter Medical School, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
Overview:
I am a Professor of Microbiology at The European Centre for Environment and Human Health, part of the University of Exeter Medical School. I lead a large research group focusing on the environmental dimension of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with recent and current funding of £4M with over 20 group members. We research the evolution of resistance in complex microbial communities found in human, animal and environmental microbiomes. We also study the dissemination of AMR at a landscape scale and human exposure and transmission in aquatic environments.
Key publications:
Antimicrobial Resistance: Investigating the Environmental Dimension.
Frontiers 2017: Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern. United Nations Environment Programme.
Key project:
UK: Argentina AMR DHSC/UKAID towards developing a systems model of AMR focusing on feed-lot beef production systems as an exemplar
External engagement:
Keynote speaker 5th International Symposium on the Environmental Dimension of Antibiotic Resistance (EDAR 5)
Full academic profile:
PHD training
High quality PhD training is an urgent priority to ensure the next generation of researchers is equipped with the skills to make a real impact worldwide. Explore PhD study options today.
Philanthropy
Please support our research into AMR which is classed as a major threat by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and one of their top priorities.