Southampton joins UK-wide effort to fight infections and drug resistance

Researchers in Southampton are part of a new Translational Research Collaboration (TRC) in Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The new network will rally research communities across the UK to help fight infections. It is backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Southampton’s Professor Robert Read will co-lead one of the TRC’s core workstreams. This will expand early-phase vaccine research. It will also help identify correlates of protection to speed up vaccine discovery.

Working together

The solutions needed to overcome infection and antimicrobial challenges are complex. They require collaborative and coordinated experimental infrastructure.

Professor Read, theme lead at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), said:

“This new collaboration will help researchers work together more easily, share ideas and get funding for new studies. It is important that we work together to make sure the UK stays ahead in fighting infections and Southampton has an important part to play in this journey.”

The new TRC is hosted by Imperial College London. It joins six other TRCs already working on big health challenges.

Professor Marian Knight, NIHR Scientific Director for Infrastructure said:

“Antimicrobial resistance is an area which needs urgent research across multi-professional teams working with the public and industry. The NIHR is uniquely positioned to bring together the right people and partnerships to tackle it.

“This exciting new addition to our TRC network, in a crucial area of research, has the potential to drive the game-changing research we need.”

What are TRCs?

TRCs are collaborative groups of experts formed via NIHR BRCs.

The new TRC will create an inclusive network of partners across industry, public bodies, charities, funders, and SMEs. Engagement will be driven through regular calls, roundtables, and symposiums.

Current collaborators and funders include Moderna, UKHSA, MHRA, the Wellcome Trust and UKRI. There are plans to engage more SMEs and international partners.