Students spotlight the importance of antimicrobial resistance awareness

Published on 24, November, 2025

Students from the University of Sunderland took part in a symposium alongside NHS staff which addressed the need to protect antibiotics and prevent the spread of new superbugs.

This Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, undergraduate students studying Medicine and Biomedical Science at the University, NHS staff, PhD students and lecturers took part in an afternoon that showcased antimicrobial resistance and its impact on our lives.

Superbugs that are resistant to multiple antibiotics have become a growing problem making it important that everybody plays their part to raise awareness for antimicrobial resistance.

The Antimicrobial Resistance Symposium took place at Hope Street Xchange on the University’s City Campus (19 November).

Omar Dessouky, a third-year medical student at the University, said: “I was blown away by how smoothly the event ran even with the incredible amount of people that showed up.

“It was a fantastic opportunity that meant that a lot of us students who hadn't yet been given the chance to practice many skills like presenting in front of a large audience, were presented with a supportive environment where not only could we develop those skills but also contribute to something that we felt truly passionate about.”

Sophie Elias, who is also studying medicine at the University, said: “I found the day extremely engaging and exciting, particularly because it gave me the opportunity to present in front of an AMR-enthusiastic audience.”

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Students were joined by Dr Jessica Dixon, a resident doctor at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Consultant Clinical Scientist Trainee Dr Rob Usher and Pharmacist Matthew Christie at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, who also presented their own research.

A range of posters were also designed by local secondary school pupils to help raise awareness of how we can play a part in protecting our antibiotics.

The day saw prizes given out to students for delivering the best presentation and poster.

Dr Clair Preece, Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology at the University, said: “Developing a strong understanding of antimicrobial resistance, stewardship and safe prescribing early on is essential for our medical students, as every doctor needs to recognise its impact on patient care and the wider health system.”

Dr Jo Malkin, Senior Lecturer and former NHS Consultant Medical Microbiologist, said: “I've seen first-hand the devastating impact antibiotic-resistant infections can have on patients and the difficulty in controlling the spread of these infections. New antibiotics don’t come along very often, so it’s crucial that we protect the ones that we do have.”

This World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18-24 November) is a global campaign which aims to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance, promote responsible antibiotic use and encourage the public, healthcare professionals and policymakers to take action to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials.

If you are interested in studying Medicine at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.

Or if you are interested in Biomedical Science, find out more here.