Centre for AMR Research
The Centre for AMR Research brings together researchers and clinicians from across the University of Auckland to address the national and global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Our purpose
Antimicrobials underpin modern healthcare, making possible routine surgery, cancer treatment, organ transplantation, and the care of vulnerable patients. As bacteria and other microbes become resistant to these medicines, many of the advances of modern medicine are at risk. Resistant infections are estimated to contribute to more than 1.2 million deaths each year worldwide, and without effective action, annual deaths could exceed 10 million by 2050, surpassing those from cancer and diabetes combined.
The Centre for AMR Research brings together researchers and clinicians from across the University of Auckland to address the national and global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. As a priority area for the recently established Infectious Diseases Research Platform, AMR reflects the strategic importance of strengthening Aotearoa New Zealand's research capability and expertise, while contributing to national and international efforts to develop new solutions.
Our researchers bring together expertise in microbiology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, structural biology, and clinical sciences to develop next-generation diagnostic, preventive and treatment strategies within a One Health framework, while advancing antimicrobial stewardship across Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Network (NZAMRNet)
The Centre for AMR Research is a key contributor to NZAMRNet. NZAMRNet is New Zealand's national antimicrobial resistance network, bringing together experts from research, healthcare, government, and industry to advance collaborative approaches to AMR research, surveillance, stewardship, and policy development. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, NZAMRNet supports research, policy development, stewardship initiatives, and national efforts to combat AMR.
Research themes
Our research spans the full spectrum of AMR, from understanding how resistance emerges and spreads, to developing new interventions and informing policy and practice.
- Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms
- Drug discovery and development
- Vaccine development
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Host-pathogen interactions
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- Policy and advocacy
Our people
Management group
Ghader Bashiri (Director)
Colin Simpson (Co-director)
Sandhya Badri-Hollander
Juliet Gerrard
Matire Harwood
Naresh Singhal
Our researchers
Kristi Biswas
Susan Bull
Alan Cameron
Carol Chelimo
Stephanie Dawes
Tristan de Rond
Paul Harris
Iain Hay
Yann Hermant
Kerrryn Kilkenny
Shaun Lott
Davide Mercadante
Nikki Moreland
Natalie Netzler
Veronica Playle
Caroline Puente-Lelievre
Fiona Radcliff
Viji Sarojini
Augusto Simoes-Barbosa
Stacey Strang
Stephanie Stuteley
Vinod Suresh
Hamish Sutherland
Simon Swift
Jamie Taka
Nobuto Takeuchi
Sam Trowsdale
Yuliana Yosaatmadja