October 18, 2025

The Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) was delighted to host the 3rd All-Ireland Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Conference 2025, which took place recently in Belfast. The event brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, health and social care representatives, policy makers and patient representatives from across Ireland to tackle the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The two-day conference featured novel research, workshops and discussions on fresh approaches to dealing with resistant infections. The event opened with an academic research session bringing together researchers and academics, including early-career researchers. A multidisciplinary group of participants exchanged ideas and generated innovative strategies for moving AMS up the global health agenda. One of the highlights was a keynote and workshop by Dr. Emma Dorris, Programme Manager, PPI Ignite Network at University College Dublin and patient advocate Stacey Grealis, highlighting the need for public and patient involvement in AMR initiatives.

On the second day, highlights included Prof. Michael Tunney, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast who presented new solutions to tackle AMR in chronic respiratory disease and a workshop by Dr Rob Cunney, Consultant in Microbiology, Children’s Health Ireland which sparked lively discussion on the future of policy for AMR & stewardship. Bernie O’Reilly, from Patients for Patients’ Safety Ireland, shared her lived experience and impacted delegates through her personal story.

The conference generated meaningful connections, new partnerships and creative policy ideas. Anita Hogg, Lead at MOIC, commented: “This event shows how dedicated MOIC is to fighting antimicrobial resistance through innovation and collaboration. Bringing together such a diverse group of people has paved the way for solutions that will shape the future of antimicrobial stewardship.”

Anita added, “It was truly inspiring to connect with experts and exchange ideas. This experience has kicked off new collaborations that will help MOIC push forward in optimising medicines to tackle AMR.”

The event was organised by MOIC, CARA Network, AMSInsight, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and University College Dublin and was supported by HSC Public Health Agency