The Global Rise of Superbugs - why we need to engage

We held a 'Superbugs – The End of Modern Medicine as we know it?' public engagement evening event in the Welsh capital’s science centre, Techniquest, in partnership with industry and charities.

As part of the Wales Festival of Innovation, the event attracted over 300 visitors of all ages and informed the public of how our body fights ‘bad’ germs that make us sick and uses ‘friendly’ germs to keep us healthy.

Attendees met with scientists and doctors who tackle the ever-growing antibiotic resistance and the worldwide spread of untreatable infections. They also learnt how antibiotics work and why sometimes it is better not to take them.

Via 17 exhibition stands participants were shown cutting edge research into antimicrobial resistance (AMR), explored common misconceptions, including those around vaccines and decoding the early signs of sepsis.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry exhibit took visitors on a virtual reality, 360-degree journey inside the body exploring how today’s technology research may transform tomorrow’s treatment.

Event outcomes

Reach

• The event was attended by over 300 members of public.
• Involvement of patient focus groups, charities (UK Sepsis Trust) and industry (ABPI).
• 171 visitors completed the sticker “treasure hunt” evidencing participation in 1539 activities.

Impact

• An increased awareness of the challenges associated with antimicrobial resistance and infection.
• An increased profile of Cardiff-led research into antimicrobial resistance.
• A demonstration of strong engagement and involvement activities.
• The development of a closer strategic partnership with Techniquest.
• A contribution to further research related to AMR, drug discovery, antibiotic prescription, infection diagnostics and sepsis.
• Consideration by students of a career in research at Cardiff University
• Increased awareness of the School of Medicine’s Science in Health programme of activities.
• An increased understanding of the importance of members of the public getting involved in University research and teaching and the ‘added-value’ this involvement brings to Universities.

Find out more

The School of Medicine is very keen to engage and involve members of the public in its research and teaching activity.

Should anyone wish to find out more about the School of Medicine’s engagement activity with Schools or more generally please contact:

This is a shortened version of the full article that features in edition 29 of ReMEDy.

Read the full article