Antimicrobial resistance and emerging talent: News from the College

Here’s a batch of fresh news and announcements from across Imperial.

From an exploration of the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, to a Spanish Researchers in the UK award, here is some quick-read news from across the College.

Antimicrobial resistance in focus

A new Imperial Stories feature explores the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and how Imperial researchers are seeking ways to battle it.

In focus are Imperial's scores of interdisciplinary research teams, including the Antimicrobial Research Collaborative, which investigate the factors contributing to the rise of AMR - from the role of the GP’s office to informing international policy.

Among the solutions being developed at the College are smart antimicrobial surfaces, antibiotic amnesties, and methods for regulating pharmaceutical manufacturing waste.

Read the Imperial Stories feature: Antimicrobial resistance: A silent pandemic 

Curriculum changes

New research from Dr Camille Kandiko Howson and Professor Martyn Kingsbury examines how academic departments at Imperial have reflected institutional curriculum changes in practice.

The paper considers to what extent departments have reflected the four pillars of the Learning and Teaching Strategy (assessment reform, the promotion of active learning, diversity and inclusion, and the development of digital and technology enhanced learning) in their curriculum.

Findings identify departmental clusters of engagement with their grouping determined by the extent to which they utilised ‘language’,  showed ‘intent’ and demonstrated ‘application’ from the Learning and Teaching Strategy. For the most ‘active’ departments the curriculum review process itself provided a transformational learning experience for staff and students.

Emerging talent

Dr Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro has won the Spanish Researchers in the UK (SRUK)/CERU Emerging Talent Award 2021. The award, which is supported by Santander Foundation, recognises Spanish researchers who have demonstrated high potential, strong scientific outputs and mentoring and leadership qualities in the UK.

Dr Ledesma-Amaro leads a laboratory at Imperial’s Department of Bioengineering which develops new synthetic biology and gene editing techniques like CRISPR to manipulate microbial metabolisms and promote sustainable bioproduction methods.

He said: “Thanks to synthetic biology and metabolic engineering we can help microorganisms to manufacture products like fuels, medicines, vitamins and materials. It’s an honour to receive the Award alongside the recognition for the effort, dedication, and outcome of my research.”

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