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The discovery of antimicrobials (antibiotics) early in the 20th century revolutionised medical practice, allowing both treatment and prevention of many infections. Antibiotics are now widely used as an integral part of our modern healthcare, but are also used in veterinary and agricultural (livestock) applications. One problem is that microbes adapt and evolve to bypass the effects of antibiotics - this is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). High use of antibiotics has led to an enormous rise in AMR with frequent reports in the international press of looming catastrophes. The solution seems simple: drastically reduce the prescriptions of antibiotics. However, where they are required for medical treatment, withholding prescription is potentially dangerous for the patient.

Lars Jeuken and Jonathan Sandoe will discuss AMR, how it comes about, the difficulties of diagnosing infections and how their current research might help to reduce prescriptions of antimicrobials.
 
Jonathan Sandoe is an associate clinical professor of microbiology at the University of Leeds and an honorary consultant microbiologist. His research interest lies in antimicrobial stewardship, optimising the use of antimicrobial therapy to improve patient outcomes and reduce antimicrobial resistance. He advises several national bodies and developes guidelines for antibiotic treatments in medicine.
 
Lars Jeuken is a professor in molecular biophysics at the University of Leeds and together with Jonathan Sandoe and other colleagues, is active in the development of next generation diagnostics (biosensors) for patient management and reduction of antibiotic misuse. His lab specialises in the interface between electronics and biomacromolecules, a crucial component of any biosensor.