More than 90 members of The Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net) came together from around the world to meet in London in June 2025 for a week-long programme of collaboration, innovation and global partnership development. With representatives from almost all partner countries from across the collaboration, the week offered an opportunity to share expertise, build relationships and continue the momentum around CAMO-Net’s mission to optimise antimicrobial use, locally and globally.
CAMO-Net is a global partnership of 13 research sites across 11 countries, funded by the Wellcome Trust. The network addresses antimicrobial resistance by developing context-specific tools, technologies and stewardship practices that support equitable and evidence-informed antimicrobial use. With a strong focus on local leadership, knowledge exchange and capacity strengthening, CAMO-Net operates through national hubs, technical centres and shadow sites to co-create practical solutions informed by local needs.
At Imperial College London, the programme centred on interactive workshops covering topics such as microsampling, economic evaluation, early warning surveillance systems, and human-centred innovation. The group received a hands-on demonstration of point-of-care technologies, led by researchers from the UK, offering participants the chance to explore novel sampling methods and DIY biosensor technologies first-hand.
Wednesday’s showcase at the Wellcome Trust brought the full CAMO-Net collaboration into focus. Introduced by Wellcome’s Director of Infectious Disease, Dr Alexander Pym, the event featured thematic research sessions on therapeutic drug monitoring, medicines management, and context-specific behaviour and culture in antimicrobial use. Speaking at the opening of the showcase, Dr Pym praised the network’s model: “At Wellcome, we believe that bringing together researchers from diverse geographies to identify shared challenges and co-create solutions is one of the great strengths of CAMO-Net. It’s exactly the kind of collaborative model global health needs more of.”
Professor Alison Holmes, CAMO-Net lead, emphasised the significance of the gathering: “It’s an absolute joy to host so many colleagues in person – some for the first time – and to showcase the breadth and depth of work happening across our network. This is a pivotal moment for CAMO-Net, and we’re thrilled to share it here at the Wellcome Trust in London.”
The showcase event also included Wellcome’s internal ‘Mission in Motion’ session, where members from across the network, from research enabling staff to senior management learn about the work that Wellcome is funding. This was followed by a network fair, where CAMO-Net sites shared their work with Wellcome staff, providing updates and ideas from their respective contexts. Engagement activities, data dashboards, and cross-hub training initiatives featured prominently.
During the week, CAMO-Net researchers also met at the UK Houses of Parliament, where they participated in a series of policy-focused workshops. Hosted by the Managing Director of Research and Information at the House of Commons, the session explored models of science advice, how to write for policymakers, and the evolution of AMR policy in the UK. It concluded with a tour of Parliament and the Commons Library – an insightful and inspiring end to a high-impact week.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Samuel Duodu (CAMO-Net Ghana) said: “It’s not often you get such a unique blend of technical workshops, meaningful conversations, and direct engagement with policy. The week gave us the chance to think across disciplines and regions – exactly what CAMO-Net is about.”
The energy and exchange throughout the week have already sparked new ideas and collaborations across sites. These in-person meetings continue to strengthen not only the network’s collective expertise, but also the relationships that drive forward its shared vision for sustainable, locally led antimicrobial optimisation. The next time CAMO-Net members will gather in person will be in December 2025, where they will be hosted by the India national hub.
