A major overhaul of Scotland’s One Health AMR Register aims to make antimicrobial resistance research more visible and connected across sectors.
Tackling a Growing Global Threat
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is projected to cause 1.91 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050, according to global health estimates. Scotland is taking a proactive approach, focusing on the “One Health” principle — coordinating action across human, animal, plant, and environmental sectors.
The updated Scotland One Health AMR Register (SOHAR) seeks to centralise research activity, making it easier for policymakers, funders, researchers, and industry to identify areas of expertise, ongoing projects, and gaps in knowledge.
Professor Fiona Henriquez-Mui, lead of the project at the University of Strathclyde, stressed that “SOHAR provides practical value across sectors, guiding investment and fostering collaboration.”
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
The update project is led by the University of Strathclyde, working alongside Glasgow Caledonian University, SRUC, the University of the West of Scotland, and the James Hutton Institute.
First published in 2021 by the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), SOHAR collects peer-reviewed studies and projects on AMR involving researchers across Scotland. Its recent update adds enhanced searchable features, enabling faster access to key information.
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Thematic categorisation now aligns research with the UK’s AMR National Action Plan (2024–2029)
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Users can track funding allocation, ongoing projects, and research outputs across sectors
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New policy briefs summarise findings and provide recommendations for future research
Strengthening Scotland’s National and UK Role
By mapping research strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, SOHAR positions Scotland as a key contributor to a UK-wide strategy against AMR. The register helps monitor progress against national commitments and identifies where additional investment or collaboration is needed.
The database highlights several areas of innovation, such as wastewater AMR surveillance, agricultural interventions, and environmental monitoring techniques, while pointing out gaps in studies linking environmental data with clinical outcomes.
Accessible Insights for Multiple Stakeholders
The updated register isn’t just for academics. Policy advisors, funding bodies, and industry partners can now explore Scotland’s AMR research landscape with improved search functions. The register provides:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Searchable database | Quickly locate projects, publications, and researchers |
| Thematic organisation | Aligns work with UK AMR Action Plan priorities |
| Policy brief and summary | Highlights strengths, gaps, and recommendations |
This transparency aims to foster collaboration across sectors, guiding future research and investment decisions while providing a clear view of Scotland’s contribution to tackling AMR at the national and international level.
Looking Ahead
SOHAR’s long-term vision is to remain a sustainable, central hub for AMR research in Scotland. By connecting human, animal, plant, and environmental research, it supports the One Health approach and ensures that Scotland’s efforts are part of a coordinated global response.
Professor Henriquez-Mui concluded, “These insights can guide future research activities, stimulate partnerships, and enhance our collective ability to respond effectively to the challenges posed by AMR.”
