PROGRAM
Wonderful class and very interesting presentations! Quote International Masterclass AMR
Times indicated in Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Program 25 September 2025
The first half-day of the 8th International Masterclass AMR focuses on thoroughly explaining the building blocks of AMR: what are bacteria, what are antibiotics and what is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)? And how can we prevent AMR?
13:30
Welcome and introduction to Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Dr Maarten van Dongen, AMR Insights (Netherlands)This opening session introduces the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and why it matters for health, food security, and sustainable development. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what AMR is, how it emerges, and its far-reaching consequences. The session sets the stage for the programme by highlighting the urgency of collective action across sectors to tackle AMR.
13:45
Bacteria: desperately needed and detested
Dr Maarten van Dongen, AMR Insights (Netherlands)What are bacteria, where they occur and how they multiply and spread. What types and subtypes are there and which ones are pathogenic or otherwise harmful. What function do bacteria have, what diseases in humans, animals and plants can they cause and why do we also desperately need bacteria.
14:00
Antibiotics: desperately needed but also cause of AMR
Dr Maarten van Dongen, AMR Insights (Netherlands)What are antibiotics. How they were discovered and how they work. What (classes of) antibiotics there are and how they protect us. And how do they differ. Why and when to use antibiotics and how to appropriately use these in a cost effective way. And when not to use.
14:30
Antibiotics usage in LMICs
Dr Rohini Wadanamby, Lanka hospital (Sri Lanka)How do antibiotics relate to the threat of micro-organisms. What is their added value and when to use. With a focus on LMICs the lecture provides insights into the do’s and don’t related to antibiotics.
14:45
Antibiotic & antimicrobial resistance: the overall picture
Dr Maarten van Dongen, AMR Insights (Netherlands)What are antibiotic resistance and Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). How these develop and spread around the world. Why AMR is increasingly threatening our health and food safety: statistics, socio-economic implications and consequences for public human and animal health. The worldwide increase of a phenomenon that we cannot yet control.
15:15
AMR and Planetary Health
Dr Maneesh Paul, Microvioma (India)Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not only a threat to human and animal health but also to the health of the planet as a whole. Resistant microbes spread through soil, water, and food systems, disrupting ecosystems and weakening our ability to safeguard biodiversity, food security, and sustainable development. Addressing AMR requires a planetary health approach—recognizing the deep interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, and acting globally to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations
15:30
The escalating threat of resistant fungi
Dr Jochem Buil, Radboud University Medical Centre (The Netherlands)The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes respiratory disorders such as invasive aspergillosis (IA). Medical azoles are effective treatments for Aspergillus disorders, including IA. Azole resistance, primarily produced by fungicide use in the environment, complicates treatment of Aspergillus illnesses significantly. What interests and stakeholders are at stake.
15:45
Driving more AMR innovations towards the clinic: gaps and opportunities in translation
Dr Peter Coombs, LifeArc (UK)Development of new diagnostics and treatments for AMR is a challenge and the discovery and development pipeline is currently sparse. There are distinct scientific, economic and implementation challenges, as well as gaps in know-how, associated with developing innovations targeting AMR. How can we address these challenges and ensure innovations are fit for purpose and inform clinical practice? What are the opportunities for accelerating innovation development? And how do we ensure that new diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as data-led solutions, are relevant and accessible globally?
16:00
Short break
16:15
The WHO global strategy to combat AMR
Dr Maarten van Dongen, AMR Insights (Netherlands)The WHO Global Action Plan and how National Action Plans must add to the curbing AMR. How WHO, FAO, UNEP and WOAH join forces. The UN and other organisations involved to monitor and control AMR. An overview of the key global stakeholders. The relevance of the UN General Assembly High-Level meeting on AMR (on 26 September, 2024).
16:45
The WHO AWaRe
(Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotic book
Deborah Tong, World Health Organisation (CH)The 2022 AWaRe book is an important step along the road towards the improved use of antibiotics in humans, the development of stronger AMR policy and better clinical care. Hear about its implementation globally and next steps planned.
17:00
Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance and monitoring AMR
Dr Darcie Carpenter, IHMA (USA)An overview of the current types of ongoing active surveillance programs for monitoring AMR and the strengths and weaknesses of each type.
17:15
Mechanisms or Resistance that link antibiotic resistance to disinfectant resistance
Dr Andrew Kemp, British Institute of Cleaning Science (UK)History, problems in understanding the problem of disinfectant resistant bacteria and what ultimately will happen if society ignores the problem and continues to focus only on antibiotic resistance.
17:30
AMR and the AMR Patient: the AMR Narrative Initiative
Dr Renier Coetzee, University of the Western Cape (SA)The purpose of the AMR Narrative is to increase public advocacy ability and involvement in order to mobilize action against antimicrobial resistance.
18:00
Closure Day 1
26 September: Workshop on AMR and Health Economics with Triangulate Health
We welcome Triangulate Health, a leading UK consultancy renowned for its unique synergy of science, policy, and health economics, as a first-time contributor to the International Masterclass AMR 2025.
10:00
Welcome and introductions
Dr Chrissy Bishop; Triangulate Health (UK)The programme opens with a warm welcome and introductions to set the stage for an engaging learning experience. Participants will meet the organizers and fellow attendees, hear about the goals of the programme, and get an overview of what to expect. This session creates the foundation for active participation and shared learning throughout the event.
10:15
What is Health Economics and why does it matter for AMR?
Dr Arnold Hagens; Triangulate Health (UK)Health economics provides the tools to understand the true cost of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the value of interventions to combat it. This session introduces the basic principles of health economics and explains how they can guide smarter decision-making in AMR policies and practices. By linking costs, outcomes, and sustainability, participants will learn why health economics is essential to building effective and long-lasting AMR solutions.
10:30
The economic burden of AMR
Dr Chrissy Bishop; Triangulate Health (UK)Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not only a health crisis but also a major economic threat. This session explores the far-reaching costs of AMR, from longer hospital stays and expensive treatments to productivity losses and pressure on healthcare systems. Understanding this burden is crucial for designing policies and investments that protect both public health and economic stability.
10:45
How do we know what works? Evaluating cost-effective interventions.
Dr Arnold Hagens; Triangulate Health (UK)Tackling AMR requires interventions that are not only effective but also cost-efficient. This session highlights how health economics helps us evaluate which strategies deliver the best outcomes for the resources invested. Participants will discover how evidence-based assessments guide smarter choices, ensuring that limited funds are used where they make the greatest impact.
11:00
Spotlights on solutions: diagnostics, vaccines, phage therapy
Dr David Tordrup; Triangulate Health (UK)Innovative solutions are key to reducing the impact of AMR. This session shines a spotlight on promising approaches such as rapid diagnostics, vaccines, and phage therapy. Participants will gain insights into how these tools can transform prevention and treatment, and why investing in them is essential for a sustainable response to AMR.
11:15
Funding and incentivising change
Dr David Tordrup; Triangulate Health (UK)Sustainable progress against AMR depends on smart funding and the right incentives. This session explores how governments, investors, and industry can drive innovation and ensure access to needed solutions. Participants will learn about successful models and approaches to mobilize resources and encourage long-term change in the fight against AMR.
11:30
Interactive discussion and wrap up
Dr Chrissy Bishop; Triangulate Health (UK)This closing session brings together key insights from the programme in an open, interactive discussion. Participants are invited to share reflections, raise questions, and connect ideas across sessions. The wrap-up will highlight main takeaways and outline how these lessons can be applied in practice to advance the fight against AMR.
Program 26 September 2025
The second half-day of the International Masterclass AMR focuses entirely on the 6 key strategies to prevent and combat AMR. International AMR experts share their views on how this works and what to expect. To conclude, we will present and discuss the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform and WHO’s strategic research agenda.
13:30
The six key strategies to tackle AMR in the One Health Perspective
Dr Maarten van Dongen, AMR Insights (Netherlands)Addressing AMR requires a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach. This session presents six key strategies to tackle AMR through the One Health lens, linking human, animal, and environmental health. Participants will gain a clear framework for action and see how coordinated efforts across sectors can deliver lasting impact.
13:45
STRATEGY 1: Antibiotic Stewardship and knowledge sharing as a force for tackling AMR
Dr David Jenkins, Consultant Medical Microbiologist University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and former President BSAC (UK)Monitoring and limiting the use of antibiotics reduces the risk of AMR. How this can be implemented in human health care: feasibility in HIC and LMICs alike. The potential of stewardship to diminish AMR, the relevance of knowledge sharing and the role of the newly set up GASPh. The recent launch of the BSAC Global Antimicrobial Stewardship Accreditation Scheme (GAMSAS).
14:15
STRATEGY 1 (continued): Antimicrobial Resistance in Armed Conflict Zones: Hidden Consequences of War
Dr Ruba Haddadin, AMS Advisor (Jordan)Armed conflicts create conditions where antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can grow and spread. This presentation will explore how war injuries, damaged healthcare systems, and limited access to medicine often result in the misuse of antibiotics and tougher infections. We will use examples from Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and Ukraine to show how war wounds and weak health systems make it harder to control resistant bacteria. The session will highlight AMR as a growing but often overlooked issue in conflict zones, where getting care and using antibiotics correctly is a challenge.
14:30
STRATEGY 2: Infection Prevention and Control
Dr Geetanjali Kapoor; Project Lead AMR, Americas India, IndiaInfection prevention and control (IPC) is vital to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by reducing infections and limiting the need for antibiotics. Through measures like hygiene, vaccination, and sanitation, IPC prevents the spread of resistant strains and helps preserve the effectiveness of existing antimicrobials.
15:00
STRATEGY 3: Novel Antibiotics and the context of the broken market
Usha Lamichhane; Global AMR R&D Hub (Germany)New antibiotics, to which bacteria are still sensitive, are increasingly needed in the global fight against AMR. Why only very few new antibiotics appear on the market. Challenges related to antimicrobial R&D, the lack of funding and a proper return of investment for pharma companies. Upcoming market push and market pull mechanisms in the UK and the USA. The important roles played by CARB-X, GARDP, AMR Industry Alliance and AMR Action Fund. All this in the perspective of the Global AMR R&D Hub.
15:30
STRATEGY 3 (continued): Incentivizing investment into antibiotic R&D – what is needed?
Luka Srot, Associate Director, Health Security, IFPMA (Switzerland)We desperately need new antibiotics, yet innovation in this space is faltering due to unique market challenges faced by these life-saving drugs. The clinical pipeline is dangerously thin and without new investment, AMR burden will continue to rise, threatening modern medicine. Perspectives on possible solutions and policy needs from the pharmaceutical industry.
15:45
STRATEGY 4: Microbial Diagnostics and new technologies to reach the market
Prof Till Bachmann; University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (UK)Diagnostics help us to set the proper patient treatment. Diagnostics distinguish bacteria from viruses, identify bacterial species (ID) and determine the antibiotics sensitivity (AST). Do we use diagnostics properly and do we use the proper diagnostics. Emerging scientific developments in diagnostics and what new diagnostic tools may reach the market.
16:15
STRATEGY 5: How much is possible to find alternatives to antibiotics?
Prof Jayaseelan Murugaiyan; SRM University AP (India)Alternatives to antibiotics are increasingly important to curb AMR. In addition to phage therapy, antimicrobial tissue replacers, nanomaterials and probiotics appear to fight (resistant) bacteria without leading to AMR. What are the developments and what are the promises in theory and practice. A unique, structured overview of all alternatives and where they can be used.
16:45
STRATEGY 6: Reducing Antibiotic Emissions in waste water
Steve Brooks, President Steve Brooks Consulting LLC (USA), Joseph Muratore and Lisa Lowe, BSI Group (UK)Steve is Advisor to the AMR Industry Alliance and chairs its Manufacturing Work Group. He will introduce the environmental dimensions of AMR within the One Health approach, focusing on risks from antibiotic discharge into the environment. The session highlights the Alliance’s work with the British Standards Institution (BSI) to develop a manufacturing standard and certification scheme that independently verifies responsible production. Joseph will explain the value and drivers for adoption of the BSI Kitemark, while Lisa will provide the technical perspective on preparing for assessment.
17:15
STRATEGY 6 (continued): Hospital waste water and AMR
Tom Vereijken, Director European Water Stewardship (Netherlands) and Dr Tania Mubita, Expertise Leader Wageningen University and Research (Netherlands)Tom will introduce the Dutch Consortium Antibiotics and Pharmaceutical Residues from Water and the white paper on AMR and waste water drafted by the consortium. Tania will explain the status and expected outcome of the Dutch research and development project ‘Onsite Monitoring and Removal of Pharmaceuticals, Antibiotics, and Antimicrobial Resistance at Source’.
17:30
AMR Partnership Platform: Driving the global response to AMR through a One Health approach.
Dr Arshnee Moodley, Chair of the MSPP Steering Committee, AMR Team Leader, Associate Professor, International Livestock Research Institute & University of Copenhagen (DK)The AMR Partnership Platform brings together governments, organizations, and stakeholders to unite efforts against antimicrobial resistance. This session will showcase how the Platform drives collaboration across human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Participants will learn how it fosters knowledge exchange, aligns priorities, and supports countries in strengthening their AMR responses through a One Health approach.
17:45
Quadripartite One Health AMR tools and Guidance to support countries in the implementation of NAPs
Jorge Matheu, Team Lead, AMR Division, WHO (CH)The Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO, WOAH) has developed key tools to support countries in addressing AMR through a One Health approach. These include the WHO list of Medically Important Antimicrobials to guide responsible non-human use, the One Health Integrated Surveillance Guidance for AMR/AMU, the Priority Research Agenda to align scientific and financial investments, and the Legislative Assessment Tool to help strengthen governance and close legal gaps in implementing national AMR action plans.
18:00
Closure Day 2
Dr Maarten van DongenThanks to all the panellists! Such an inspiring masterclass
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