Research Priorities for AMR

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research is essential to prevent a global health and development crisis. AMR necessitates several key research priorities, including new drug discovery, understanding resistance mechanisms, optimising antimicrobial use, and guiding policy through evidence-based strategies. It is important to emphasise the leadership of the World Health Organisation in shaping global AMR research agendas, especially the 2023 framework that focuses on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and cross-cutting issues within a One Health approach. Major public, private, multilateral, and philanthropic organisations play a role in advancing research, although funding and coordination remain fragmented and inadequate, especially in low- and middle-income countries. National research agendas, such as that of Australia, provide guiding principles for tailoring priorities to local contexts, supporting innovation, and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration. Veterinary research must focus on surveillance, stewardship, alternatives to antibiotics, and addressing transmission pathways between animals, humans, and the environment. Environmental research is equally critical in understanding pollution, farming practices, and AMR gene transfer. Despite progress, challenges of inadequate prioritisation, limited funding, and a shrinking research workforce persist. Overcoming these requires global coordination, equitable financing, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration to develop sustainable AMR solutions.