BSAC PROJECT GRANTS 2018

In 2017 the BSAC is giving priority to the following research topics for Project Grant applications:

1. Diagnostics:
   • More optimal/effective use of antimicrobials through PK/PD in clinical practice
   • Prognostic markers of bacterial infection (i.e. when is an antibacterial indicated?)
   • Prognostic markers of infection with microorganisms resistant to first-line empirical treatment regimens (i.e. When is a broad-spectrum antibacterial indicated?)
   • Can better use of existing or new laboratory diagnostics including biomarkers support better stewardship across healthcare communities, with special reference to Virology
2. Antimicrobial Stewardship:
3. The impact of resistance or antimicrobial consumption surveillance on patient outcomes in community, long term care and acute facilities
4. Innovative promotion of behaviour change science in prescribing in all healthcare settings
5. Impact of educational solutions/ guidelines on stewardship practice / infection treatment outcomes [could be systematic review]
6. Impact of sepsis campaigns on optimal antibiotic use / stewardship or use of "older agents" used in stewardship on clinical outcomes
7. Virology: Targeting viruses with pre-existing resistance to licensed therapies
8. Antibiotic Adjuvants: Antibiotic adjuvants i.e. resistance breakers (such as efflux pump inhibitors, uptake enhancers e.g. polymyxin B nonapeptide)
9. Molecular Mechanisms Of Antimicrobial Resistance (including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses)

WHEREVER POSSIBLE PROJECTS SHOULD BE CROSS DISCIPLINARY AND TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE ONE HEALTH AGENDA.

Applications are also invited under the usual BSAC Areas of Interest:

• Mechanisms of antibacterial action
• Mechanisms of antibacterial resistance
• Antiviral resistance
• Antiviral
• Antifungals
• Antibiotic methods
• Antibiotic prescribing
• Antibiotic therapy
• Antiparasitics
• Evidence based medicine / Systematic reviews

About Project Grants: Maximum value of £15,000 for projects of up to one-year duration. The BSAC invites applications for Project grants on an international/worldwide basis.

Project grants may be used for the following purposes:

• Pump priming projects
• Introducing a novel technique for existing work
• Supporting a change in direction of an established project
• Funding for trainees for projects/training (maximum value £5,000*)

*Up to £5,000 of a project grant can be allocated towards supporting researchers (at the start of, or early in, their career) who wish to develop ideas or learn methods outside of their discipline or area of expertise. Funding for attendance at a conference is not considered appropriate, however funding to participate in a training course will be considered.

Candidates are expected to provide full justification of project grant funds.