As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens global health and the efficacy of antibiotics, the PAR Foundation is dedicated to preserving life-saving treatments for generations to come. Today, we proudly introduce our 2024 grantees, whose pioneering work in research and education seeks to transform how we approach and mitigate AMR. These remarkable researchers and advocates offer novel solutions to one of the greatest challenges facing modern medicine, embodying PAR’s commitment to global health.

Cecilia Dahlström, Secretary-General at PAR Foundation, shares her optimism:
“I am confident that this year’s projects will contribute significantly to mitigating AMR’s impact. It’s inspiring to watch our grantees develop innovative solutions that will enhance prevention and awareness around antibiotic resistance.”

This year, PAR Foundation awarded grants in two categories:  Education Grants and Research Grants. Each project aligns with our strategy to advance AMR solutions by fostering innovative thinking, global collaborations, and community engagement. 

Education Grants

1. Matthias Eberl (Cardiff University, Wales, UK) and Michael Mosha (Roll Back Antimicrobial Resistance Initiative, Dodoma, Tanzania)
Project Title: Bridging Science, Education, and Community in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Summary: Matthias Eberl, a professor of translational immunology at Cardiff University, and Michael Mosha, a pharmacist and researcher with the Roll Back Antimicrobial Resistance Initiative in Tanzania, are collaborating on a project to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through science, education, and community engagement. Eberl’s research focuses on infection and immunity, incorporating initiatives like Superbugs to educate the public about microbes and AMR. Mosha’s work emphasizes social behaviors, hand hygiene, and responsible medicine use to reduce AMR at the community level in Dodoma. Their joint project, supported by the PAR Foundation, connects schools in Wales and Dodoma, fostering early education on AMR and infection control to inspire responsible health practices across continents, building a united front against AMR. Read more here.

2. Yui Kohno (Health and Global Policy Institute, Japan)
Project Title: Amplifying Local Healthcare Voices in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Summary: Yui Kohno, a manager at the Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) in Japan, leads an initiative empowering community healthcare workers to raise awareness about AMR. Her project provides workshops and educational resources to equip local healthcare professionals with essential knowledge to prevent AMR spread through public education and patient guidance. Kohno’s focus on community engagement highlights the importance of grassroots efforts in tackling AMR, bridging policy and local action. With PAR Foundation support, Kohno aims to document these community-driven approaches, sharing insights globally to inspire similar initiatives. Her work emphasizes the crucial role of healthcare professionals in championing responsible antibiotic use and preventive health practices at the local level. Read more here.

3. Corina and Daniel – Chemistry Institute of UNAM, Mexico
Project Title: Harnessing Virtual Reality to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Summary: Microbiologist Corina and physicist Daniel aim to combat AMR by developing a virtual reality (VR) model that educates the public about antibiotic resistance. Partnering with the PAR Foundation, their VR experience will guide users through bacteria and antibiotic interactions, emphasizing how resistance develops and ways to mitigate it. Corina’s lab focuses on finding new antibiotics, but she recognizes that public awareness is equally important. Daniel, who brings expertise in photocatalyst research, joined Corina to create a VR tool for interactive learning. This project, aimed at youth and the general public, will also serve as a resource for healthcare providers, incorporating the latest AMR research to promote informed antibiotic use. They plan to implement the VR model in schools and educational events globally, inspiring the next generation to engage in AMR solutions. Read more here.

4. Ripudaman Singh Minhas – Our Kids’ Health Network (OKH)
Project Title: Fighting Antibiotic Resistance Through Community Engagement

Summary: Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas, a developmental pediatrician at Unity Health Toronto, leads the Our Kids’ Health Network (OKH), a global platform addressing antibiotic resistance through culturally tailored messaging. In collaboration with the PAR Foundation, OKH reaches marginalized communities worldwide by disseminating health information in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Tamil, and Filipino. OKH’s social media-based model connects with over 1 million families, using community advisory boards to ensure cultural relevance. The project develops targeted messages delivered by healthcare professionals from within the communities, fostering trust and credibility. Through educational videos, infographics, and multilingual campaigns, OKH seeks to correct misconceptions about AMR and promote responsible antibiotic use. The initiative also contributes findings to academic settings, offering a model for health communication that is inclusive and impactful for diverse, often underrepresented, populations. Read more here.

Research Grants

5. Susanna Brighenti (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden)
Project Title: Towards Precision Medicine in Tuberculosis: Unraveling Immune Endotypes for Targeted Host-Directed Therapies

Summary: Dr. Susanna Brighenti, an immunologist at Karolinska Institutet, is leading cutting-edge research to develop host-directed therapies (HDTs) for tuberculosis (TB) by understanding unique immune profiles (endotypes) in TB patients. Her project, “Towards Precision Medicine in Tuberculosis,” investigates TB patients’ immune responses in Sweden and Ethiopia, particularly focusing on multidrug-resistant TB cases. By examining these immune profiles, Brighenti aims to personalize TB treatment, helping the immune system combat infection more effectively. This precision medicine approach has the potential to optimize antibiotic use, addressing AMR by targeting TB treatments to individual patient needs. Her work advances the fight against TB and other resistant infections through innovative and targeted health interventions. Rea more here.

6. Fredrik Westerlund  – Chalmers University of Technology

7. Hana Sipova-Jungova – Chalmers University of Technology

Project Title: Pioneering Innovations in AMR Research
Summary: Scientists Fredrik Westerlund and Hana Sipova-Jungova combine their expertise in molecular biology and biophysics to advance AMR research. Fredrik, focused on plasmids that spread antibiotic resistance, is pioneering DNA barcoding techniques to better identify resistant strains. Meanwhile, Hana uses optical tweezers to study bacterial cell health, providing insights into antibiotic effectiveness. In partnership with the PAR Foundation, Fredrik’s DNA tagging in nanochannels and Hana’s cellular-level research could reshape diagnostic methods and improve antibiotic targeting. Their project has implications for developing precision treatments and monitoring bacterial health, aiming to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics. By blending molecular biology with innovative diagnostic technologies, Fredrik and Hana’s work targets healthcare providers and researchers, pushing forward knowledge on combating AMR with potential applications for more effective, targeted therapies. Read more here.

8. Jonas R. Henriksen – Technical University of Denmark
Project Title: Revolutionizing Drug Delivery in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Summary: Dr. Jonas R. Henriksen, a physical chemist at the Technical University of Denmark, is innovating antibiotic delivery methods to combat AMR. With over 15 years of experience, he leads a team in developing drug delivery systems that enhance antibiotic efficacy by changing their ion properties. His work, in collaboration with the PAR Foundation, focuses on modifying existing antibiotics to improve permeability and broaden their effectiveness. Through creating an antibiotic library and conducting in-vitro and in-vivo studies, Henriksen’s project addresses the urgent need for effective treatments against resistant bacteria. Targeting global health stakeholders, his research offers promising advancements for future antibiotic development and improved therapeutic options for resistant infections, contributing to the international fight against AMR. Read more here.