Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TULIP (Community-based engagement and intervenTions to stem the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the aqUatic environments catalysed by cLImate change and Plastic pollution interactions)
Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30
TULIP is a transdisciplinary research project that explores the complex interactions between antimicrobial resistance (AMR), plastic pollution, and climate change in aquatic environments. TULIP creates and advances knowledge on the underlying socio-ecological processes and dynamics of the AMR-plastic-climate ecological nexus and linkages to human and animal health. It also identifies viable solutions that challenge the status quo and ignite lasting change toward health-promoting environments, such as community-tailored interventions and nature-based solutions. TULIP adopts the Planetary Health framework and uses a transdisciplinary socio-ecological systems-thinking approach. Novel approaches include adaptive geospatial design coupled with hydrological models applied in the selection of sampling sties and frequency of sampling campaigns for microbiological, animal, and environmental data, to disentangle spatio-temporal dynamics of plastic resistome in waters and impacts of climatic variability; using molecular tools to determine dominant MP-associated water-borne AMR and spillback to terrestrial systems; combining community-based participatory research and intervention science to co-design and evaluate practical solutions, nature-based solutions and interventions that create lasting systemic change; using spatio-temporal modelling and machine learning to foster predictive capacity and indicator development; creating user-friendly simulation-based decision supporting tools and using integrated knowledge translation for science-policy translation to guide policies that actuate systemic transformation and go beyond antibiotic stewardship; engaging citizens in citizen science projects and social innovation to facilitate diffusion of innovation in the community that follows the principles of regenerative economy. TULIP conducts its research and outreach activities in Italy and the Philippines, looking at river and coastal aquatic environments. The major pathways are outlined through an integrated knowledge translation framework, integrative research co-production, citizen science engagement, and a Massive Open Online Course. TULIP engages citizen scientists to extend the data collection efforts, intervene in the global and local problems of plastic and AMR at the grassroots, and increase awareness. Through a community-based participatory research, TULIP explores the needs, underlying community processes, and individual behaviour related to plastic and antibiotic pollution and exposure to AMR. TULIP provides valuable insights for policies and monitoring initiatives at global, European, national, and local levels, and evidence on the feasibility of extending AMR monitoring in the environment, integrating it with plastic monitoring. TULIP’s implementation is structured around eight interconnected Work Packages (WPs), covering the full research implementation from data generation to policy dialogue and implemented by 11 partners. The project brings together partners from Europe and the Philippines and relies on close collaboration to address scientific, ethical, and societal challenges.
During the first 18 months of the TULIP project (the 1st reporting period, RP1), we carried out the preparatory work needed to launch field activities for environmental sampling, animal sampling, socio-behavioral data collection, and citizen science. We gathered data necessary for the modeling work and started two reviews, including a policy document review and a systematic literature review. We collaboratively developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and field manuals, ensuring consistency across case study sites in Italy and the Philippines. Environmental sampling began in Italy in November 2024, with sample analysis currently in progress. Preparations for the Philippine fieldwork advanced, with pilot sampling and testing of DNA extraction protocols conducted in July 2025. Institutional review board (IRB) approval for environmental data collection was obtained at RITM. Meanwhile, the ethics application for social science research was submitted during RP1 and is under review as of this report. We formed a modeling group spanning WP2, WP4, and WP5, fostering a collaborative approach to modeling efforts across the project. This group is developing integrated tools that combine hydrological modeling, machine learning, and other methods to trace and predict pathways of AMR and plastics, along with their interactions. A capacity-building activity at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB in FBV) in Stechlin, Germany, supported methodological alignment among partners and helped build shared understanding between European and Filipino teams. To facilitate communication and knowledge exchange, the consortium organized a public scientific event during the project’s three-day kick-off meeting in Heidelberg in early June 2024. The event focused on the intersections of AMR, plastics, and climate change, providing a platform to present the project’s goals, share early plans, and engage with external experts, stakeholders, and the wider research community. We launched the TULIP website and social media campaigns on different platforms, held various interviews, and presented TULIP at different conferences and engagement events. We also established a structure for the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and its implementation timeline. These activities have established a solid foundation for the next phase of the project, emphasizing full-scale data collection, participatory work with local communities, and the development of interventions.
Considering the initial state of the project, current results are limited to the definition of procedures and protocols to employ for the planned studies. Recent updates can be found on the webpage: https://tulip-project.eu/(opens in new window).