IMARI 2026: Interdisciplinary action to confront antimicrobial resistance

AMR is widely recognised as one of the most urgent challenges in modern medicine, undermining the effectiveness of existing therapies and threatening gains made against infectious diseases. IMARI 2026 sought to bridge the gap between basic science, drug discovery, clinical development and policy, highlighting both emerging mechanisms of resistance and novel strategies to counteract them.

Launching a new forum for AMR science and innovation

The conference opened with remarks from co-chairs and leaders in the field, emphasizing the need for a collaborative response to AMR that spans disciplines and sectors. Plenary sessions underscored the magnitude of the challenge and the need for sustained effort across discovery, optimization and implementation.

One early highlight included a high-profile plenary on the role of antibiotics as a foundational infrastructure for civilisation, illustrating how resistance threatens core aspects of modern healthcare and surgery. Subsequent sessions explored advances in discovery science, the role of the microbiome in resistance dynamics, and the deployment of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to accelerate antimicrobial development.

Scientific symposia: Mechanisms, therapeutics and resistance detection

A series of scientific symposia delved into specific aspects of AMR research:

Microbiomes and resistance: Sessions examined how microbial communities act as reservoirs and catalysts for resistance genes, as well as how healthy microbiota might confer protection against resistant infections. This included presentations on genomics-based surveillance and insights into microbial ecology.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK-PD): Experts discussed translational strategies to optimise antimicrobial dosing and deployment, highlighting advances in therapeutic drug monitoring and frameworks for rational agent development.

β-lactamase inhibitors and resistance mechanisms: Workshops explored next-generation β-lactamase inhibitors and the microbiological and clinical implications of escape mutants, reinforcing the ongoing need for novel inhibitor strategies against extended-spectrum resistance.

Antifungal discovery and resistance: Sessions addressed antifungal resistance gaps and early discovery approaches for new agents, reflecting the expanding threat posed by drug-resistant fungi.

Concurrently, industry-sponsored programmes highlighted translational insights, such as precision diagnostics to guide optimal use of novel therapies and emerging pipeline compounds approaching clinical phases.

Meet the Experts and mentoring sessions

IMARI 2026 also featured practical sessions designed to support knowledge sharing and professional development. “Meet the Expert” discussions provided deep dives into topics such as penicillin-binding protein occupancy and metallo-β-lactamase inhibition, whereas mentoring sessions offered career guidance and insights into securing research funding, including NIH grants, for emerging investigators and multidisciplinary professionals.

Looking ahead: Policy, partnerships and the future of AMR science

In addition to research presentations, IMARI highlighted the importance of high-level collaboration and policy engagement. A dedicated panel addressed opportunities to advance AMR policy, including public–private partnerships and strategic frameworks such as the PASTEUR Act in the United States. Closing lectures emphasized the need for sustained innovation, cross-sector networks and investments that transcend individual disciplines to tackle AMR at scale.

IMARI 2026 embodied a paradigm for AMR meetings: one that integrates discovery science, translational strategy and clinical insight with policy and innovation ecosystems. By convening a broad community of stakeholders, IMARI aims to accelerate the development of effective antimicrobial solutions and to chart a collaborative path forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

References

1. IMARI 2026 program overview. IMARI. Available at: https://imari.org/program-3/
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2. ASM and IDSA launch the Interdisciplinary Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and Innovation (IMARI). ASM.org. Available at: https://asm.org/press-releases/2025/may/asm-and-idsa-launch-the-interdisciplinary-meeting (accessed 16 Feb 2026).
3. IMARI overview: meeting focus and objectives. IMARI.org. Available at: https://imari.org/overview/ (accessed 27 Feb 2026).