The World Health Organization cites antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the most significant risks facing the world. Often referred to as a 'hidden pandemic', AMR threatens global health and development as it impacts on human, animal and plant health and also our environment, water safety and food security. Latest research shows that in 2019, nearly 5 million deaths worldwide were directly or indirectly attributable to AMR. Our 'One Health' approach focuses on designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health outcomes.

Our research focuses on the evolution of resistance in complex microbial communities found in human, animal and environmental microbiomes. We also study the dissemination of AMR at a landscape scale and human exposure and transmission in aquatic environments. Our team has reported to and informed policy for organisations including the Environment Agency, The United Nations Environment Assembly, and The European Union.

We consist of groups led by Professor William Gaze, Dr Anne Leonard, Dr Aimee Murray, and Dr Michiel Vos. The following represents the diversity of interdisciplinary work undertaken by teams at ECEHH in this area.