PhD Studentship: AMR in Food Producing Environments

Join a world-leading, cross-continental research team

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the QUEX Institute. The joint PhD programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world-class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities offered at the two institutions, with a lead supervisor within each university. This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel funds and research training support grants to the successful applicants. The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

Project Description

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, adapt to current treatments like antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness. This can happen through genetic mutations or the transfer of resistance genes between species (many of which originate in environmental bacteria). Human use of antimicrobials, including overuse and misuse, drives the development of multi-drug resistance, becoming a rapidly growing global health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the GLobal Antimicrobial resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) in 2015 to monitor this issue, but critical data gaps remain in monitoring significant pathogens. Current data suggests that currently between 1-5 million people die annually from AMR infections.

AMR is not limited to clinical settings nor to humans, as resistance genes can be mobilised between bacteria in various environments. Animal waste acts as a major environmental reservoir for AMR due to the presence of excreted faecal matter, urine, faecal bacteria, and antimicrobial drug residues. Unlike humans who have dedicated systems to treat and remove contaminants from waste prior to release, waste generated in animal husbandry are either directly released to the environment or may be reused for other agricultural purposes. As such there is risk associated with AMR and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). As Zero Hunger is the #2 Sustainable Development Goal, this currently unquantified risk to food production requires investigation.

Funding 

The QUEX Institute studentships are available for January 2025 entry.

This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend of £20780 p.a, travel funds of up to £15,000, and RTSG of £10,715 over the life of the studentship. 

The studentship funding is provided for up to 42 months (3.5 years)

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