Who are we?
The AMAST (AMr in Agrifood Systems Transdisciplinary) Network is dedicated to protecting the future of our food systems and public health by addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through collaborative, innovative research and action.
We bring together farmers, scientists, food producers, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-based solutions for optimising antimicrobial use while maintaining productive and sustainable food systems.
Our network creates new pathways for understanding and tackling AMR challenges by:
- Building bridges between research disciplines and industry expertise
- Developing practical solutions that work for farmers and food producers
- Translating scientific insights into actionable policies
- Training the next generation of researchers and practitioners
- Sharing knowledge and best practices across the food production chain
Through our collaborative approach, we aim to safeguard both the effectiveness of antimicrobials and the future of our food security, ensuring healthy and sustainable food systems for generations to come.
The AMAST’s Key Principles:
- Transdisciplinary collaboration
- Industry-focused solutions
- Evidence-based approaches
- Knowledge sharing
- Sustainable impact
Overview of AMAST Network
The AMAST Network is a UKRI-funded initiative that unites experts and practitioners from across the UK’s agrifood sector to tackle one of our most pressing challenges: antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food production systems.
Launched in 2024 with support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), AMAST represents a new approach to addressing AMR by bringing together farmers, veterinarians, food producers, scientists, and policymakers in a truly collaborative network.
What Makes Us Different?
- We bridge the gap between research and real-world practice
- Our solutions are developed with and for farmers, veterinarians, industry partners
- We take a One Health, whole-system approach, from farm to fork
- Our network spans all four nations of the UK
- We combine expertise from multiple disciplines and sectors
Our Focus Areas:
- Understanding AMR risks in agrifood systems
- Developing practical strategies to optimise antimicrobial use
- Creating new frameworks for research and intervention
- Building capacity through our Fellows programme
- Translating research into actionable solutions
Working Together: AMAST operates through a unique partnership model that includes leading research institutions, agricultural and food industry bodies, government agencies and policymakers, farming communities and practitioners, public health organisations
Impact: Through our collaborative approach, we aim to protect the effectiveness of antimicrobials, maintain productive and sustainable farming practices, safeguard our food security, support public health and create lasting positive change in the agrifood sector
Join Us: Whether you’re a researcher, farmer, food producer, or policymaker, there are many ways to get involved with AMAST. Our network is always looking for partners who share our commitment to tackling AMR through collaborative action.
Leadership Team
Matt Gilmour, AMAST Lead – QIB, Norwich
K. Marie McIntyre, AMAST Co-Lead – Newcastle University
Lucy Brunton, AMAST CoI – Royal Veterinary College
Mahmoud Eltholth, AMAST CoI – Royal Holloway, University of London
Andrew Desbois, AMAST CoI – University of Stirling
Orla Shorthall, AMAST Leadership Team – James Hutton Institute
Hernan Degiovanni, AMAST Leadership Team – SEFARI – Scotland’s Rural College
Paul Hurley, AMAST Leadership Team – University of Southampton
Katharina Watson, AMAST Leadership Team – Royal Agricultural University
Lisa Morgans, AMAST Leadership Team – Royal Agricultural University
John Pearl, AMAST Leadership Team – University of Leicester
Ruben Sakrabani, AMAST Leadership Team – Cranfield University
Eulyn Pagaling, AMAST Leadership Team – James Hutton Institute
Sion Bayliss, AMAST Leadership Team – University of Bristol
Lisa Marchioretto, AMAST Network and Partnerships Manager – QIB, Norwich
