A joint workshop between the UK's National Biofilm Innovation Centre and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
Ghana
| Description | The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), in collaboration with the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) and Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) in Ghana, organised a workshop on Antimicrobial Discovery and Biobanking, which took place in Accra, Ghana on the 12-14 October 2023. Biofilms are implicated in some of the most critical global challenges and have significant economic impact within multiple sectors including healthcare, where they are a leading cause of chronic infections and antimicrobial resistance. This workshop brought together researchers and industry representatives from the UK and Ghana to establish a new partnership between the UK's NBIC, the WACCBIP and NMIMR at the University of Ghana to address biofilm-related challenges within areas of biobanking and antimicrobial discovery. The main areas for future collaboration between NBIC and the University of Ghana emerging from this workshop were: 1. To create a biofilm biobank database to be shared between both institutions which can be used for antimicrobial research 2. To share antimicrobial research capabilities eg. compound libraries, diagnostic approaches etc between the two institutions 3.To establish a strategic program for knowledge exchange through access to training courses and exchange of researchers. 4. To facilitate access to reagents by researchers from Ghana 5. To enable approvals and transfers of therapeutic drugs between the two countries through engagement with regulators 6. To collaborate on public engagement and outreach activities on the impact of biofilms on AMR |
| Exploitation Route | The workshop provided a roadmap for future joint activities, emphasising shared goals, mutual support, and innovative approaches to address challenges in antimicrobial discovery research, biofilm biobanking and public health in general. Clearly, there is an opportunity and desire from both countries to cooperate and build a sustainable, long-term collaborations. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |
| Description | Antimicrobial Discovery and Biobanking Workshop - Accra (Ghana) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | This workshop brought together researchers and industry representatives from the UK and Ghana to establish a new partnership between the UK's National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) in Ghana to address biofilm-related challenges within areas of biobanking and antimicrobial discovery. The workshop enabled the understanding of the expertise, facilities, technologies, and capabilities available through each centre (NBIC, WACBIP and NMIMR) and scope out opportunities for future research collaborations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | News Story on WACCBIP website reporting on the Workshop 'Antimicrobial Discovery and Biobanking' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | News article published on the website of University of Ghana / WACCBIP reporting on the Workshop between WACCBIP and NBIC. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.waccbip.org/news-events/news/breaking-barriers-in-antimicrobial-discovery-uk-and-ghana-f... |