51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology brought together around 100 researchers, clinicians and collaborators for its annual symposium.

The one-day Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB) symposium on 10 September provided an opportunity for members of the Centre and the wider university community to share research, explore new approaches to bacterial infection and resistance, and strengthen collaborations across disciplines.

The symposium was opened by 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Provost, , who welcomed attendees to a programme of presentations from leading external speakers alongside researchers from across the CBRB.

Understanding bacterial threats

"The talks were inspirational and gave great insight into the different research approaches being applied to address some of our most important bacterial threats." Professors Mariagrazia Pizza and Shiranee Sriskandan Co-directors, Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology

The programme featured three keynote presentations, providing perspectives on bacterial threats ranging from antimicrobial resistance and infectious disease to outbreaks and conflict.

, Defence Consultant Advisor (Medicine) for the UK Armed Forces, opened the scientific programme with a presentation on Bacterial threats in an unstable world: A UK military perspective from prevention to conflict. Her talk explored the importance of understanding and preparing for bacterial threats in the context of an increasingly unstable global environment.

, CNRS Research Director at and Head of the Chem4Life Lab and Department of Structural Biology, discussed the intersection of chemistry and biology in tackling infection. Her presentation, Allying Chemistry and Biology to tackle the Epigenetics of Infection, highlighted the potential of interdisciplinary approaches to better understand bacterial infection.

The final keynote was delivered by , Professor of Molecular Epidemiology and Head of the Department of Biology at the . His talk, The role of population annotation in managing meningococcal disease: lessons from the Kent outbreak, examined how population-level information can contribute to understanding and managing infectious disease outbreaks.

and , CBRB Co-Directors, said: ‘Our external speakers really provided valuable context for why the Centre’s work is needed – all highlighted the value of collaboration, whether combating AMR through innovative approaches, unravelling major outbreaks, or addressing the bacterial threats that present during conflict.’

Showcasing research across the Centre

The symposium also showcased the breadth of research taking place across the CBRB, with presentations from Centre Principal Investigators and Early Career Researchers.

CBRB PIs presented research spanning pathogen sensing, bacterial infection, host responses and the role of the microbiome. Dr Avinash Shenoy discussed new mechanisms of pathogen sensing by guanylate-binding proteins, while Dr Ana Eulalio presented work investigating the intracellular lifestyle of Staphylococcus aureus using microscopy-based phenotypic screening.

Other presentations explored how gut microbes influence inflammation and immune defences, the function of essential lipid phosphates in Gram-positive bacteria, and interactions between antimicrobial resistance and the host response.

The programme also highlighted research from CBRB postdoctoral researchers. Presentations examined how plasmid-dependent phages hijack bacterial structures to infect cells, genetic elements involved in the transmission of Group A Streptococcus, bacterial evasion of antibody responses, and the potential limitations of immunotherapy revealed through in vivo antigen profiling of Klebsiella.

The presentations demonstrated both the range of approaches being used within the Centre and the strength of the research network underpinning its work.

Professors Pizza and Sriskandan said: ‘The talks from CBRB members were inspirational and gave great insight into the different research approaches being applied by the Centre and into the existing network to address some of the most important bacterial threats.’

Building connections

The event highlighted the breadth of expertise within the CBRB and the value of bringing researchers working across different areas of bacterial biology together with clinicians and external collaborators.

By combining perspectives from academia, healthcare and the UK Armed Forces, the symposium demonstrated the importance of collaborative approaches to understanding and responding to bacterial threats, from antimicrobial resistance and infectious disease to emerging outbreaks and threats in conflict settings.