OHAMR Call for proposals 2026

General Information

• Type: Partner looking for project
• Organisation: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
• Country: Sweden (SE)
• Career stage: Other.

Research area

• Scientific area(s) of the call:
  1. Topic 1: Identify and develop new combination treatments using existing or innovative antimicrobials or antimicrobial with adjunctive treatments to extend drug efficacy and combat resistance.
• One Health Setting:
  A - Animal Health
  E - Environment

• Keywords:

  Germ-free animal invertebrate model system; host-microbe-interaction system in aquatic animal systems; antibacterial agents;

• Brief description of your expertise / expertise you are looking for:

  I am an Associate Professor and Research Group Leader of the Aquaculture Nutraceuticals and Resilience Group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala. As a nutritional immunologist with more than two decades of experience working with agricultural animal species, my work centers on advancing sustainable health strategies across animal systems. My research is strongly grounded in the One Health concept, recognizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. I focus on the development of innovative, non-antibiotic health-promoting formulations designed to enhance disease resilience and reduce reliance on conventional antimicrobials. By investigating how these nutraceutical interventions shape the complex interactions between the host and AMR pathogens, I aim to contribute to global efforts addressing the spread of AMR. A core part of my research program involves the use of invertebrate animal models as efficient, ethical, and mechanistically informative systems to unravel host–pathogen dynamics. These models allow us to rapidly evaluate bioactive compounds, elucidate innate immune mechanisms, and identify novel strategies that can support healthier and more sustainable animal production.

• Brief description of your project / the project you would like to join:

  Germ-Free and Germ-Associated Artemia Models for Evaluating Anti-infective Agents Against Zoonotic AMR Bacteria The rise of AMR pathogens with zoonotic potential, such as Escherichia coli, Shewanella, Vibrio spp. and Aeromonas spp., poses a major threat to both animal health and human health, underscoring the need for innovative, One Health–aligned solutions. We propose the use of germ-free and germ-associated Artemia invertebrate models to evaluate novel anti-infective agents targeting these resistant bacteria. The Artemia system offers a high-throughput, ethically responsible platform that strongly aligns with the 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine), reducing reliance on vertebrate models during early-stage screening. Germ-free Artemia enable precise host–pathogen interaction studies, while germ-associated models provide more ecologically relevant conditions for testing therapeutic efficacy, probiotic interventions, and alternative treatment strategies. Their suitability across farmed animals and biomedical research contexts positions them as valuable tools for bridging animal–human AMR research gaps. My group would be interested in joining a consortium applying to this call and welcome discussions with partners seeking expertise in invertebrate infection models, host–microbe interactions in agriculture animals, and One Health–oriented AMR research.

Associate Prof. Kartik Baruah

• Organisation: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
• Position: Associate Professor & Research Group Leader
• E-mail: kartik.baruah@slu.se