The latest episode of the University of Liverpool’s Original Ideas Podcast explores antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the most urgent global health challenges, and highlights the critical research taking place in Liverpool to tackle the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
According to the World Health Organisation, antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria and viruses no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. AMR is now directly responsible for 1.3 million deaths each year and contributes to around 5 million deaths globally.
In Episode 13 of the Original Ideas Podcast, host Gavin Freeborn is joined by Dr Alex Howard, Consultant in Medical Microbiology, and Dr Nada Reza, Clinical Research Training Fellow, to discuss the scale of the AMR challenge and the progress being made through research and clinical innovation in Liverpool.
Listen to Original Ideas episode 13 on Spotify
Listen to Original Ideas episode 13 on Apple Podcasts
Tackling antimicrobial resistance
The episode explores how antimicrobial resistance is affecting healthcare systems worldwide and examines what needs to happen next to prevent a future where routine infections become untreatable. The discussion highlights the importance of responsible antibiotic use, improved diagnostics, and the development of new treatments to combat resistant infections, including using artificial intelligence.
Listeners will also hear insights from Professor William Hope, Dame Sally Davies Chair of AMR Research, and Professor Alison Holmes, David Price Evans Chair in Global Health and Infectious Diseases, through clips from the Times Higher Education Podcast.
About Original Ideas Podcast
The Original Ideas Podcast showcases the University of Liverpool’s world-leading research and its real-world impact, with each episode focusing on a different research frontier and the people driving innovation across disciplines. Hosted by Gavin Freeborn, the series highlights how Liverpool’s research is helping to address global challenges and improve lives.
Episode 13 demonstrates Liverpool’s commitment to tackling antimicrobial resistance through interdisciplinary research, clinical expertise, and international collaboration, helping to shape solutions that protect public health now and in the future.
A reminder that you can listen to Episode 13: Antimicrobial Resistance on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Explore the full Original Ideas series to discover more research stories from the University of Liverpool.