NEWS To deal with the antibiotic resistance crisis, it is necessary to understand how bacterial pathogens acquire resistance. Irfan Ahmads research group investigates molecular mechanisms by which bacteria acquire tolerance to commonly used antibiotics.
Irfan Ahmad, Department of Molecular Biology, is a new PI affiliated to UCMR.
ImagePrivatUCMR is an esteemed platform of networking through which multi-disciplinary research of high quality can flourish.
Why did you want to join UCMR? What are your expectations?
“UCMR is an esteemed platform of networking through which multi-disciplinary research of high quality can flourish. It connects about sixty principal investigators having excellent expertise in diverse and vibrant areas of research related to infectious diseases. Therefore, UCMR provides a door step access to almost all scientific expertise and infrastructure required to conduct high-quality research.”
“It would be great if UCMR can do initiative to open new doctoral and post-doctoral programmes to support research activities of young PIs.”
What is your research about?
”Our aim is to illustrate molecular mechanisms by which bacteria acquire tolerance to commonly used antibiotics using Acinetobacter baumannii as a model organism. Using a combination of genetic engineering tools, immunofluorescence microscopic visualization of bacterial surface components and molecular epidemiology of drug tolerant microbes, we investigate molecular signaling pathways and surface components that mediate tolerance and resistance to antibiotics and other environmental related stresses.”
What was it that made you choose to study and work in this field?
“Perhaps, the discovery of “antibiotics” is one of the most valuable lifesaving scientific event of the 20th century that saved billions of lives on earth. Unfortunately, inadequate use of antimicrobial drugs is pushing us back to pre-antibiotic era where pan-drug resistant microbes can rule over the human being through life threatening infections. Therefore, any scientific work and contribution taking place to cope this challenge is exciting.”
What is it like to do research at Umeå University?
“Core facilities and infrastructure to conduct microbial research are excellent at Umeå University. To utilize state of art equipment in core facilities and networking among researchers is convenient at Umeå University.”
What is your best advice to younger researchers?
“To concentrate on a good quality science rather than number of publications.”
What do you like to do when you do not work?
“I like to spend time with family and friends.”
Me in three words: curious, passionate, and humble
Interests: Music, cricket, and travel
Wanted to become when I was a child: Scientist
Best holiday spot: Dubai
If I had a time machine: I would travel to 2013 - my PhD defence at Karolinska Institute and my son came to the world
Best thing with Umeå: calm city with very close to the nature environment
