Advanced Multidisciplinary Research for Antimicrobial Resistance

Project Information

AMRAMR

Grant agreement ID: 101131231

DOI

10.3030/101131231

EC signature date 9 October 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2027

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 276 000,00

Coordinated by

ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AMRAMR (Advanced Multidisciplinary Research for Antimicrobial Resistance)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

We are proposing a 4-year program of knowledge transfer and networking between academic institutions [University of Leicester (UK), University of Valencia (Spain), International Iberian Nanotechnology Lab (Portugal), University of Bologna (Italy), University of Aveiro (Portugal), Fudan University (China), and Alfred University (USA)] and industrial partners [Teer Coatings Ltd (UK)]. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. AMR is a serious global public health threat that could lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
The objective of the proposed joint exchange programme is to establish long-term stable research cooperation between the partners with interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge to develop Advanced Multidisciplinary Research for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMRAMR), including the development of novel antibacterial nanomaterials and nanostructures, novel antibacterial thin films coatings, upconversion technology for AMR applications, photonics technology for AMR application, and evaluation of the antibacterial performance and antimicrobial resistance; the synergetic effect for the above approaches to understanding antimicrobial resistance.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The AMRAMR staff exchange project has successfully delivered key objectives including robust management and dissemination plans, a dedicated project website, and a comprehensive progress report. Milestones achieved include the organization of a dynamic kick-off meeting and the formal signing of the consortium agreement. A highlight was both the public workshop held in Valencia in September 2024 and that held in Aveiro in January 2026, engaging a wide audience and a joint meeting in Bologna and Aveiro University.
During this period of the AMRAMR staff exchange project, eleven early-career researchers and nine senior academics completed a total of seventeen months of secondments, enriching their expertise and collaboration. The workshops and online meetings have been pivotal in enabling AMRAMR partners to design focused joint research initiatives, providing a solid foundation for further secondments. We have had the midterm meeting held in Bologna in June 2025, which was attended by all consortium members and the EU project officers, to exchange the latest progress and highlight the future implementation and directions.
The consortium has, in addition to scientific publications and communications, delivered a number of dissemination activities including outreach activities taken place in Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The consortium members who have participated in the secondments have gained from collaborations in multidisciplinary teams, have been enriched in their knowledge and enhanced their skills, contributing to their future career opportunities and employability.