Help share the future of antimicrobial resistance research in Atlantic Canada. We are looking for members of the public interested in research related to antimicrobial resistance to take part in a priority-setting and networking event.
Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites change so that medicines like antibiotics no longer work well against them. It affects everyone by making infections harder to treat, last longer, and spread more easily. It has an even greater impact on vulnerable populations – including children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems – and poses significant threats to healthcare, agriculture, and animal health. Antimicrobial resistance causes over 1.27 million deaths annually, with projections of up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
Research helps us develop new alternatives to fight infections, improve tests to detect them, and track how they spread. It also helps us choose the best treatments. Working together across human health, animal health, and the environment is key to stopping antibiotic resistance and protecting people, pets, livestock, communities, and food systems.
Atlantic Canada has expertise in antimicrobial resistance across human health, animal health, agriculture, and policy. However, there is no clear system to help them share their work across fields or provinces. ANCHOR Day will bring together researchers, decision-makers, and members of the public to share knowledge, align efforts, and take action. By working together, we can better understand the problems and develop stronger, more coordinated solutions.
The event will focus on identifying the most urgent research priorities and creating real plans for collaboration. We are looking for public partners who are willing to:
- Support planning the event (by email and video meetings)
- Complete up to three questionnaires to help rank research priorities (approximately 15 minutes each)
- Participate in discussions at the one-day, in-person event in Halifax
- Speak on a panel with other public partners at the in-person event to share your perspectives about antimicrobial resistance (approximately 30 minutes)
After the event, participants will meet again online to turn ideas into plans, including applying for future funding together. By creating space for collaboration and shared learning, ANCHOR Day will strengthen the region’s response to antimicrobial resistance and help protect the effectiveness of life-saving treatments for the future.