The rise of global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health challenges the world faces today. The prediction is that unless we take urgent action, 10 million people each year could die from the effects of AMR by 2050.

This issue affects everyone, everywhere, regardless of income status or nationality. From misuse and overuse of antibiotics, lack of clean water and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, the causes of AMR are complicated and critical.

We are honoured to welcome Professor Dame Sally Davies, the UK’s Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance, as a special guest at our upcoming event. Professor Davies will open the conference in a discussion with Dr Noha El Sakka OBE, Vice President for Communications alongside Dr Bernie Croal, College President. This discussion will emphasise the critical importance of international collaboration and adopting a One Health approach in combating AMR.

Join us and our sponsor the British Society for Haematology (BSH) online on Wednesday 6 November, to celebrate International Pathology Day as we explore the rise of global antimicrobial resistance.

International Pathology Day has been recognised by pathology and laboratory medicine institutions worldwide for over a decade. It marks the contribution and achievements of pathology and laboratory medicine services that address global health challenges and improve the health outcomes of global communities.

The programme for our virtual conference will include:

Speakers

• Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK’s Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance
• Professor Clare Chandler, Medical Anthropologist, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine – UK
• Professor Walid Al Wali, Consultant Medical Microbiologist, Hamad Medical Corporation at Al Wakra Hospital – Qatar
• Dr Wael Elamin, Medical Director, M42 – UAE
• Dr Justin Loke, CRUK/AACR Transatlantic Fellow, University of Birmingham, UK and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – USA

Roundtable discussion: Global perspectives on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

This year’s roundtable discussion will focus on global perspectives on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), drawing inspiration from the 6-part webinar series, Global Perspectives on AMR, that ran earlier this summer. We will explore regional challenges and opportunities, highlight shared experiences and expertise, discuss the prevalence of AMR across different countries, and identify key priorities for addressing this urgent issue.

The panel

• Chair: Dr Bernie Croal, President, The Royal College of Pathologists – UK
• Panellist: Dr David Jenkins, Consultant in Medical Microbiology and Virology Lead Infection Control Doctor University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust – UK
• Panellist: Dr Margaret Ip, Chairman and Clinical Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR – Hong Kong
• Panellist: Professor Samuel Taiwo, Professor and Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso – Nigeria
• Panellist: Professor Daniel Thirion, Full Clinical Professor, Pharmacist, Université de Montréal, Montreal and McGill University Health Center – Canada

Poster competition – Conquering Superbugs: Innovations in combating Antimicrobial Resistance

We invite you to showcase your lab work, whether individually or as a team, from around the world and highlight your innovative research across various pathology specialties.

You can draw inspiration from this year’s International Pathology Day (IPD) overarching theme ‘The rise of global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)’ or spotlight any pathology-related work you are especially proud of.

Posters can be submitted to international@rcpath.org until midnight Wednesday 23 October (BST).  All posters will be displayed digitally on the College website, and winners will be announced at the International Pathology Day conference on Wednesday 6 November.

Prizes

• First prize: £150 and publication of your poster in the College’s Bulletin magazine.
• Second prize: £50 and featuring of your poster in our post-event blog, celebrating International Pathology Day 2024.
• Third prize: complimentary tickets to attend the virtual conference for International Pathology Day 2025.

Terms and conditions

The full terms and conditions, which explain in detail what you need to consider and demonstrate in your entry, are available further down the page. Please take the time to read them carefully. Below are some key points to note:

1. There can be more than 1 author of the poster that is submitted, but 1 person must be nominated as the main point of contact and to take receipt of the prize and manage communications related to the submission
2. Only 1 submission per author(s) is allowed
3. Posters should be created using the branded templates, which can be accessed below
4. Each entry should be accompanied by the following information:
   • The corresponding author(s) name(s), and email address(es) and contact phone numbers. However, if it is a submission of work created by multiple authors, one person must be nominated to be the main point of contact and to take receipt of the prize should the entry win
   • The title of the poster
   • A 2–3 minute selfie-style video describing:

     a) What work is described in the poster
     b) What was special about this work
     c) How did the findings influence future practice
     d) Why you undertook this work