Global Research Priorities for Antimicrobial Resistance in Human Health: Evidence and Innovation towards WHO Agenda 2030

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the most urgent threats to global health, undermining decades of progress in infectious disease prevention and treatment. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently outlined a Global Research Agenda for AMR in human health, identifying 40 priority topics to generate critical evidence by 2030. This Research Topic seeks to bring together cutting-edge research that directly contributes to these priorities. We welcome submissions addressing epidemiology and burden of AMR, novel diagnostics, optimized treatment regimens, infection prevention and control, stewardship strategies, and translational research to bridge evidence and policy. Particular emphasis will be placed on studies from low- and middle-income countries, where the burden is highest and evidence gaps are most pronounced. By highlighting innovative approaches, implementation research, and policy-relevant findings, this collection aims to advance global understanding of AMR and catalyze progress toward achieving WHO’s 2030 goals.

This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge evidence and innovative solutions that directly advance the World Health Organization’s AMR priorities and align with the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across microbiology, clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, and health policy, it seeks to accelerate the translation of research into practical applications. The Topic also strives to identify critical knowledge gaps and promote context-specific interventions. Ultimately, it aims to generate actionable insights that inform national and global strategies, strengthen health systems, and support collective progress toward achieving WHO’s 2030 goals in combatting antimicrobial resistance.

This Research Topic welcomes original research, reviews, communications, and policy papers addressing the WHO Global AMR Research Priorities in Human Health. Submissions may explore preventive interventions such as WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), infection control, vaccination, and stewardship programs. Studies developing or evaluating rapid, affordable diagnostics and susceptibility testing are encouraged, along with research on optimizing antimicrobial therapy, new treatment regimens, and drug access in resource-limited settings. We invite work on cross-cutting issues—AMR epidemiology, behavioral change, health economics, policy implementation, and innovation financing. Special attention will be given to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial and fungal infections, and drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDR-TB). Manuscripts should contribute to evidence-based solutions advancing WHO’s 2030 AMR goals through interdisciplinary, global collaboration.

Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance; Global Health; Infectious Diseases; Infection Prevention and Control; Antimicrobial Stewardship

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.