The Fleming Initiative and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, have co-designed a new award programme to recognise the achievements of up to 20 women around the world who are leading and inspiring action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
AMR occurs when disease-causing microbes can resist the effects of medicines, such as antibiotics, designed to kill them. This growing global problem is accelerated by the inappropriate use (overuse, underuse, and misuse) of antimicrobials in humans and animals.
Lord Ara Darzi, Executive Chair of the Fleming Initiative, said Trailblazers in AMR will showcase the pioneering work being undertaken to address AMR across the various disciplines and sectors that comprise a One Health approach (human, animal, and environmental health).
“In 2024, the global community came together to drive collective action and sign a political declaration on AMR at the UN General Assembly meeting in New York,” Lord Darzi said.
“We now need to ensure we support those advocates and innovators who are helping to reduce the impact of AMR and halt the rising death rate and economic impact of drug-resistant infections.”
Launching in the lead-up to International Women's Day, the Trailblazers initiative will collaborate with leading organisations in the AMR space to identify nominees which will then be evaluated by an international panel of judges.
CSIRO Director, Health & Biosecurity Professor Brett Sutton said that the initiative will recognise a broad range of approaches, from cutting-edge research to community engagement.
“The Female Trailblazers in AMR initiative will showcase the diverse contributions of women across this spectrum, from research and development to eduation, policy, communications, law, and more,” Professor Sutton said.
“Everyone has a role to play in tackling this complex problem and CSIRO is proud to partner with the Fleming Initiative to highlight this important work.”
The achievements of the Trailblazers will be celebrated and amplified through prominent profiles featured in a dedicated section of the Fleming Initiative website. These profiles will showcase the Trailblazers' diverse expertise and contributions to minimising the impact of AMR and provide opportunities for them to connect with fellow experts, potential collaborators, and a global audience.
Professor Dame Sally Davies, the UK Special Envoy on AMR, is the patron of the inaugural Female Trailblazers in AMR initiative.
“I am inspired by the leadership of women all across the world who are tackling AMR with their expertise, innovation and dedication,” Professor Davies said.
“By celebrating and showcasing their efforts, I hope the next generation is inspired to take action against AMR.”
Nominations will open on 6 March with recipients to be announced in Q3, 2025.
To find out more contact info@fleminginitiative.org, including ‘trailblazers’ in the subject line.
Initial nominating organisations are:
CSIRO: Australia’s national science agency and innovation catalyst. CSIRO addresses major challenges through innovative science and technology, translating research into solutions for various sectors, including food security, health, and environmental sustainability.
The Fleming Initiative: Jointly established by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, the Fleming Initiative brings together research scientists, policymakers, clinicians, behavioural experts, public and commercial partners to provide the networks, expertise and skills to provide equitable solutions to AMR at a global scale.
Access to Medicine Foundation: An independent non-profit organisation that seeks to transform the healthcare ecosystem by motivating and mobilising companies to expand access to their essential healthcare products in low- and middle-income countries. The Foundation is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Gates Foundation, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Wellcome Trust, AXA Investment Managers and Stewart Investors.
AMR Insights BV: A global advocacy network and information platform dedicated to combating AMR. AMR Insights provides targeted training and facilitates partnerships through international symposiums and innovation missions to drive innovative solutions in AMR.
CARB-X: Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator is a global non-profit partnership dedicated to supporting early-stage antibacterial research and development to address the rising threat of drug-resistant bacteria. CARB-X supports innovative therapeutics, preventatives, and rapid diagnostics. CARB-X is led by Boston University and funded by a consortium of governments and foundations. CARB-X funds only projects that target the most serious, resistant bacteria identified on global priority lists, syndromes with the greatest global morbidity and mortality, and performance characteristics necessary for patients.
One Health Trust: The One Health Trust (OHT) is a global health think tank dedicated to improving the health of humans, animals, and the planet through research and stakeholder engagement. For over a decade, OHT researchers have conducted critical work on health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance. It has offices in Washington, D.C., and Bangalore, India.
WHO Collaborating Centre for AMR, Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne: Part of an international collaborative network under the leadership of the World Health Organisation, particularly the Western Pacific Regional Office, the Centre works to strengthen and build antimicrobial stewardship and laboratory capacity for diagnosis and surveillance of AMR.