Addressing antimicrobial resistance: recent engagement highlights

Central to these activities were the topics of improving the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), exploring the use of shockwaves and ultrasound to disrupt bacterial biofilms and enhance drug delivery to the brain, and highlighting the role of the microbiome in preventing infections. By bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, partners, policymakers, and members of the public, these events have created valuable opportunities to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and identify priorities for future research.

Through presentations, panel discussions, conferences, and public engagement initiatives, participants were able to learn more about current research, ask questions, and contribute their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities associated with tackling antimicrobial resistance.

A selection of recent activities is highlighted below:

Parliamentary Reception on Urinary Tract Infections

On 13 July 2026, Professor Eleanor Stride OBE FREng HonFIET PhD BEng, Professor Jennifer Rohn and Mr Bob Yang FRCS (Urol), MRCS, MBBS, BSc (Hons), AICSM, presented their research and participated in discussions at a Parliamentary Reception hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Urinary Tract Infections. Stakeholders from across the UTI community came together to share updates, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for future collaborations.

New Book Chapter on Ultrasound Drug Delivery

Professor Stride has authored a book chapter entitled Introduction to Ultrasound Drug Uncaging for the forthcoming Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation Handbook, to be published by Oxford University Press.

Public Engagement Featuring the Microbiome

Postdoctoral researcher Dr Ffion Hammond collaborated with the Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies on a public engagement initiative that addressed frequently asked questions about the microbiome. Researchers were filmed responding to questions submitted by the public, and a series of videos has since been released on YouTube through the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS). 

Watch the full series here. 

A particular highlight for the team has been the enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated across the outreach and engagement events. Participants contributed thoughtful questions, shared their experiences, and provided valuable insights that will help shape future research and collaboration opportunities.

The knowledge and perspectives gathered through these activities will continue to inform the Beyond Antibiotics research programme and support the development of innovative approaches to addressing antimicrobial resistance.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to and participated in these events. Your engagement, ideas, and commitment continue to inspire the work of the Beyond Antibiotics Programme Grant, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead.

See the full story here:  Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance: Highlights from Recent Engagement Activities

This research is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the Programme Grant Scheme (EP/V026623/1).