Liverpool welcomes antimicrobial network partners
The University of Liverpool recently hosted the first official gathering of the global partners from the Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net) for a welcome reception and the inaugural CAMO-Net Management Board Meeting.
CAMO-Net is formed by five ‘national hubs’, which are made up of research teams from the University of Liverpool and Imperial College London, the University of Cape Town in South Africa, the Infectious Diseases Institute in Uganda, and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.
With up to £11m in funding from Wellcome, this ground-breaking consortium will support translational research to address a major driver of antimicrobial resistance, using a bespoke funding model to help enhance global health research equity.
CAMO-Net also includes three ‘Shadow National Sites’, which will participate in network activities and develop a pilot project as part of the larger CAMO-Net programme. The Shadow National Sites include Dow University of Health Sciences in Pakistan, Child Health Research Foundation in Bangladesh and Universidade da Paz in Timor-Leste, supported by Menzies School of Health Research in Australia.
The welcome reception in Liverpool gave the opportunity for researchers to highlight projects and innovations already taking place within Liverpool and London, whilst also providing the chance to network and share knowledge. The scope of activities and discussion focused on innovation in technology and data usage at the molecular, patient, drug and health sector level, through to the whole population level.
Before exploring exhibitions from researchers based in Liverpool and London, attendees heard from Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool. Professor Kenny highlighted antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the greatest threats to the health of communities around the world, and how timely the CAMO-Net collaboration is in tackling this important challenge.
Professor Kenny said: “Global threats require a global partnership and so we are delighted that nationally here in the UK CAMO-Net has strengthened a long-standing strategic alliance with Imperial College London and that our two institutions are part of this wonderful global network of interdisciplinary experts, who will ensure that lifesaving drugs are preserved for future generations.”
CAMO-Net will use its extensive network of interdisciplinary experts, partners at the forefront of relevant technological innovation and links with policymakers to conduct research to actionably improve antimicrobial use in humans through three interlinked themes identified through a Wellcome-commissioned roadmap.
Chibuzor Uchea, Research Manager of Drug Resistant Infections at Wellcome also addressed the event, highlighting the vital work of the project. Chibuzor said: “The inappropriate human use of antimicrobials is a key driver of AMR and importantly the driver most under our direct control. Supporting research into the optimal use of antimicrobials is vital to preserve and sustain their efficacy. CAMO-Net has huge potential for creating significant and lasting impact in the AMR field.”
Professor Alison Holmes OBE, Principal Investigator for CAMO-Net UK, hosted the event. Professor Holmes commented: “Not only will this network provide a unique opportunity to advance multidisciplinary research to improve and sustain access to effective antimicrobial treatments and address AMR, it has shared international learning embedded within it and also represents a major commitment to more equitable research models.”
You can find out more information about the project on the CAMO-Net website.