Superbugs - A Pop-up Science Shop

Saturday 18 February, 10:00 - 16:00 GMT Sunday 19 February, 10:00 - 16:00 GMT

MakeTank, 3-5 Paris Street, Exeter, EX1 2JB

Come along to this free event! Registration is not required.

Families and members of the public can drop in to meet researchers at a free two-day pop-up exhibition aimed at raising awareness of the health threat of antimicrobial resistance.

This fun, hands-on event aims to engage children and their parents/carers with world-leading science at the University of Exeter, through a special event featuring crafts, microscopes and the opportunity to meet scientists in Exeter city centre. This event follows on from the global campaign World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) in November 2022.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, evolve and develop resistance to medications that are used to cure infections they cause. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threat facing humanity.

Bacterial and fungal pathogens pose a major threat to human health. Fungi are, especially a threat to those people with compromised immunity, such as people with cancer, and can be deadly. The prevalence of AMR in both bacteria and fungi is reducing the number of medicines available to patients fighting off infections, and reduces a successful outcome. There are currently only four classes of antifungal drugs available, thus making antifungal resistance a huge concern.