Preparedness and Response to AMR, the silent pandemic

Preparedness and Response to AMR, the silent pandemic

4 PhD positions in the project

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Preparedness and Response to AMR, the silent pandemic

Lead by Professor Marit Otterlei, Faculty of Medicine and Health science, Department of Clinical and Molecular medicine (IKOM) and Professor Heidrun Åm, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Department for Sociology and Political Science (ISS).

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time, associated with more than 5 million deaths annually and a burden that continues to rise. Tackling this “silent pandemic” requires solutions that from several disciplines, from the discovery of new antimicrobial therapies and development of rapid diagnostics to governance, preparedness, production, and access.

To address these interconnected challenges, NTNU is launching an interdisciplinary research initiative comprising four closely coordinated PhD projects. The initiative brings together expertise across molecular and medical sciences, biotechnology, diagnostics, and social and political sciences. Through close collaboration, the four projects will generate complementary knowledge and create synergies across disciplines, contributing to a more integrated and sustainable preparedness for increased AMR.

The PhD projects will focus on:

• Novel antimicrobial peptides: development and modes of action.

PhD project 1 (New antimicrobial peptides for use as single agents and in combinations, IKOM) and PhD project 2 (Emerging technologies for characterization of mode of action and activity/optimal combinations, Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences)

• Rapid precision diagnostics.

PhD project 3 (Emerging technologies enabling rapid precision diagnostics of severe infection , IKOM/St. Olavs Hospital)

• Governance and implementation.

PhD project 4 (Antibiotic sovereignty: Power, governance, and the political economy of fighting AMR resistance, ISS)

How do we build a society that can withstand crises, attacks, and unexpected disruptions? A More Resilient Society is a major strategic initiative at NTNU that brings together interdisciplinary expertise and innovative thinking to address complex and societally important challenges. In total, 16 PhD candidates will collaborate across faculties and academic disciplines, focusing on critical societal infrastructure and health preparedness. The aim is to produce research that challenges established assumptions and contributes to a safer and more resilient society.

Application deadline: 20.11.2026