GSK and the Fleming Initiative have unveiled six major new research programmes—termed Grand Challenges—to accelerate global efforts against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These programmes will leverage some of the world’s leading scientific expertise and cutting-edge technologies, including advanced AI, to slow the growing threat posed by drug-resistant infections.
The announcement follows the October 2025 WHO GLASS Report, which highlights a worsening AMR crisis. According to the report, one in six lab-confirmed bacterial infections now involve antibiotic-resistant strains, and annual deaths linked to AMR are projected to rise by 74.5%, from 4.71 million in 2021 to 8.22 million by 2050.
All six programmes will begin in early 2026, supported by three years of full funding, and will focus on key areas of unmet need:
The Six Grand Challenges
Boosting antibiotic discovery for Gram-negative infections
Targeting bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, researchers will use supercomputing, automation, and AI/ML models to design antibiotics capable of overcoming their complex defence systems.
Accelerating new antifungal drug development
With rising resistance and high mortality in severe Aspergillus infections, AI will be used to map fungal vulnerabilities and support novel therapies beyond the four existing drug classes.
Understanding immune responses to drug-resistant bacteria
Starting with Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of over one million deaths annually, experts will generate human-relevant immune-response data to inform future vaccine design.
Using surveillance and environmental data to predict AMR spread
AI-powered models will integrate disease surveillance and environmental insights to forecast how resistant pathogens emerge and propagate globally.
Running innovative clinical trials to optimise antibiotic use
A new trial will focus on improving decision-making around when and how antibiotics are prescribed.
Supporting global policy, public engagement, and R&D acceleration
International data and insights will be used to strengthen policies, awareness, prevention strategies, and government action against AMR.
The Fleming Initiative—founded by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust—brings together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, behavioural experts, and industry partners to drive equitable, global solutions to AMR. GSK, the first founding partner, committed £45 million in 2024 to support the Initiative’s mission.
A major highlight of the new programmes is the effort to break through the defence systems of Gram-negative bacteria—long considered one of the toughest scientific challenges in AMR. Imperial College’s Drug Discovery Hub, GSK scientists, and Agilent Technologies will collaborate to produce advanced datasets and AI models, which will be shared globally to accelerate antibiotic innovation.
Across all programmes, around 50 multi-disciplinary roles will be funded and based at Imperial College London. The partnership aims to reinvigorate a field facing a shrinking talent pool, as underscored by the AMR Industry Alliance’s 2024 report “Leaving the Lab.” All research efforts will be co-led by Imperial and GSK, with findings openly disseminated to support worldwide development of next-generation antimicrobials and vaccines.
The launch aligns with World AMR Awareness Week and marks 80 years since the Nobel Prize was awarded for penicillin, the world’s first broad-spectrum antibiotic. Coming swiftly after the latest WHO report, these Grand Challenges serve as an urgent call for global scientific collaboration to prevent the projected surge in AMR-related deaths over the next 25 years.
