Europe's research collaboration in antimicrobial resistance to be reinforced next year

The problem with antimicrobialresistance (AMR) is growing and needs to be addressed here and now – but new knowledge and innovation for sustainable solutions for the future are also needed. The collaboration in the EUP OHAMR between the European Commission and Member States is expected to cover more than just research funding. There are, for example, proposed activities to improve researchers’ career paths, strengthen knowledge transfer, and increase the opportunities to share research data. Utilising research results, such as product development, improved practices, and more targeted policies, are also in focus.

Compared to the current European research collaboration JPIAMR (Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance), the global perspective will be stronger. There will also be greater focus on what is known as ‘One Health’: the fact that antimicrobial resistance is a broad issue that is important for the life and health of humans and animals, the food industry, the environment, and in the longer term also growth and prosperity at a global level.

So far, the EUP OHAMR consortium consists of 51 organisations from 28 countries. The collaboration involves national funding bodies, but also organisations that work specifically with different parts of the AMR issue, such as the development of new antibiotics, initiatives in low- and middle-income countries, and collaboration at policy level.

The Swedish Research Council, which has hosted the JPIAMR Secretariat since 2011, has applied to coordinate EUP OHAMR also. The work would involve leading the partnership, being responsible for contracts and reporting of activities and finances, and handling all communications. Sweden has a long tradition of working on the wise use of antibiotics, in both humans and animals, and has long adopted a leadership role on the issues at global level.

Details on the framework, budget and organisation of the partnership will be published during the first half of 2025. The first research call within the EUP OHAMR will also be launched in 2025.

“Researchers in the AMR field can prepare themselves for great opportunities in the new partnership EUP OHAMR! Sweden and the Swedish Research Council are ready to participate very actively in leading the partnership, but also to participate in the calls for funding to research and innovation projects,” says Madeleine Durbeej-Hjalt, Secretary General of the Scientific Council for Medicine and Health at the Swedish Research Council.

Read more about EUP OHAMR on JPIAMR’s website External link.

What happens with JPIAMR?

No more calls will be issued under the JPIAMR umbrella. Ongoing grants will continue until the end of the grant period. Thereafter, the project results will be communicated and research data will be made accessible.