Cardiff’s leading scientists and researchers are joining forces this month at the city’s leading science centre in the fight against antibiotic resistant superbugs.
Educational charity Techniquest will team up with Cardiff University this week at a free special event discussing the global rise of superbugs.
As part of the Wales Festival of Innovation, the science discovery centre will host ‘Superbugs: The end of modern medicine as we know it?’.
The free evening, held on June 28th, will showcase the world-leading research from Cardiff University into how the human body fights ‘bad’ germs and uses ‘friendly’ germs for its benefit, and how everyone can help to preserve antibiotics for the future.
The discussion comes as cases of hard to treat strains of superbugs are becoming more prominent, resulting in 25,000 deaths across Europe annually.
The event will bring together experts from the university and The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry to discuss how they are tackling the growing resistance against antibiotics and the worldwide spread of untreatable infections.
The evening, created by Dr Matthias Eberl from Cardiff University’s Systems Immunity Research Institute, will explore common medical misconceptions including those around vaccines, the use of antibiotics and decoding the early signs of Sepsis.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry will take visitors on a virtual reality, 360-degree journey inside the body exploring how today’s technology research may transform tomorrow’s treatment.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the educational entertainment at Techniquest, with access to 130 hands-on interactive exhibits.
Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO at Techniquest said:
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this important event with the scientists at Cardiff University. With its world-class research and medical experts, we’re looking forward to learning all about its findings around antimicrobial resistance.
“Essential research forms a crucial part of public health and the economy in Wales. We strive to be at the forefront of scientific discovery and debate, and it’s vital that we generate awareness around this global health concern.
“We welcome members of the public to come along and enjoy the evening, and we’re sure they’ll leave us feeling better informed about the issues surrounding drug resistant infections and leave wanting to know more. With our interactive exhibits and activities on offer, it’s sure to be just as fun as it is informative.”
Dr David Gillespie Centre for Trials Research and Dr Micaela Gal, Primary and Emergency Care Research Centre said:
“At Cardiff University’s Centre for Trials Research, the Primary and Emergency Care Research Centre and Division of Population Medicine, we have a passion for the development, implementation, and evaluation of research aiming to reduce antibiotic resistance.
“Engaging with the public is a central part of our research we are looking forward to discussing our efforts on improving antibiotic use in primary care across Wales, the UK and the rest of Europe. This has been achieved by studying GP-patient interactions, developing and evaluating appropriate education, and by implementing and evaluating clinical tests.”
With a fully licensed bar and free admission, visitors are encouraged to get to the science discovery centre early as entry is subject to capacity.
The event takes place from 6pm-10pm and more information can be found at: https://www.techniquest.org/events/superbugs-end-modern-medicine-know/
