Boost for Chalmers' research on antibiotics resistance

Antibiotics resistance poses a serious threat to global public health and is sometimes referred to as a silently ongoing pandemic. Chalmers is now enhancing its research in the field through three project grants, all linked to the Center for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg.

Photo of Johan Bengtsson-Palme, Erik Kristiansson and Anna Johnning on Chalmers' Campus. — Johan Bengtsson-Palme, Erik Kristiansson and Anna Johnning receives funding for their research on antibiotics resistance.

The spread of resistant bacteria makes common infections difficult or impossible to treat, leading to numerous deaths, significant human suffering, and imposing substantial costs on society. Research is essential to understand and prevent the spread of resistant bacteria, contributing to improved diagnostics that optimize the use of antibiotics.

Center for interdisciplinary research

The Center for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg, CARe, was initiated by the University of Gothenburg in 2016 as a center for interdisciplinary research, and has evolved into a platform for collaboration between the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers, and healthcare, supported by Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Västra Götaland Region. Currently, Care has approximately 150 members working on various research questions related to antibiotic resistance.

"Interdisciplinary approaches are necessary in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Within the framework of Care, researchers in medicine, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences collaborate. This makes us unique and scientifically competitive," says Erik Kristiansson, professor at Mathematical Sciences, chair of the CARe steering group, and partner in the SENSIF project.

International coordination

JPIAMR, the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance Research, brings together researchers from 29 nations worldwide in the effort against antibiotic resistance. Among other things, they coordinate research funds and recently announced decisions on funding projects in surveillance and diagnostics. Out of a total of 17 approved grants, Chalmers is involved in three, and the University of Gothenburg in one.

"I think this brilliantly shows how Chalmers and Gothenburg are at the forefront in the field of antibiotic resistance. The strong network we have in Care is crucial for the international collaborations that lay the foundation for being awarded this type of funding," says Johan Bengtsson-Palme, Assistant Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and coordinator of the SEARCHER project.

"The fight against increasing antibiotic resistance stands at the central to today's healthcare challenges. At the Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre, we are pleased that we – with our expertise in mathematical modeling and advanced data analysis – can contribute to the development of methods aimed at ultimately reducing the spread of bacteria causing difficult-to-treat infections," says Anna Johnning, researcher at Fraunhofer-Chalmers Center and partner in the DECODE project.