Facilitators: Dr Jake O'Brien, Prof. Kevin Thomas, Dr Helena Rapp Wright, Dr Alexandra Richardson, Dr Lubertus Bijlsma, Prof. Diana Aga, Dr Aimee Murray, Prof. William Gaze, Prof. Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, A/Prof. Saer Samanipour, Dr Peter Vikesland, Dr Lisa Golding, Dr Emily M Stevenson

Aims: This workshop aims to foster dialogue between chemists and microbiologists with the goal to enhance our mutual understanding of AMR-related chemical processes. Participants will explore antimicrobial lifecycles, existing and developing chemical detection approaches (and their limitations), chemical risk assessment, and collaborative strategies. The session will promote the relevance of chemistry to controlling AMR and will encourage cross-disciplinary engagement through interactive formats.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global challenge, yet the role of chemistry is typically underrepresented in its environmental discourse. This workshop will address the need to integrate chemical perspectives—such as the importance of transformation products, chemical mixtures, chemical properties, and bioavailability —into the assessment of AMR risk and dissemination. With growing interdisciplinary interest and guidelines being established in Australia, Europe and the UK, and organisations such as the WHO, this is an extremely relevant and timely discussion for policy to be framed upon.

Workshop Participants and Activity: The workshop will catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration, elevate the importance of chemistry in the discussion of AMR, and inform future research and policy. The workshop is expected to lead to joint publications, new project proposals, and improved communication between international sectors. By capturing workshop outcomes, we will support long-term integration of chemical insights into AMR strategies.

Participants will leave with:

A shared framework for integrating chemistry into AMR risk assessment
Draft content for and opinion article planned for submission
Tools for interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., Mentimeter outputs)
A contact list for future joint initiatives
Insights into ongoing projects and potential international partnerships

Workshop Overview