Request for Proposals to Establish Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education

Several years ago, APLU and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) established a joint task force to examine issues relating to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in agriculture production. The task force, comprised of leadership drawn from the two associations with representatives from the agricultural production industries, the pharmaceutical industry, and with significant input from government agencies, issued its report and recommendations in October 2015.

Among the recommendations was the establishment of a university research organization to coordinate and implement the report’s recommendations. A national institute for research and education on antimicrobial resistance would serve as a coordinating mechanism by bringing together stakeholders and leaders from academia, government and industry to develop and commit to a national strategy addressing the myriad issues surrounding antimicrobial resistance.

APLU and AAVMC are now requesting proposals to host the institute in a manner that incorporates the vision, mission, direction and principles contained in a framing concept paper. Proposals should outline the rationale for siting the Institute within the framework of the university and the attendant advantages of doing so both for the institution and the Institute. A review committee, chaired by the Honorable Catherine E. Woteki, has been charged with the responsibility of reviewing the proposals and making recommendations for the selection process.

The concept paper for the establishment and operation of the Institute is offered for your consideration to solicit proposals for its creation at a land-grant institution and/or with collaborating institutions that embody the expertise and capabilities outlined in the concept document. The host university for the Institute will be a comprehensive university with strong health science and agriculture presences – colleges of veterinary medicine, agriculture, medicine, and public health.

The campus should demonstrate a track record of involvement with and be supportive of a One Health focus. Its top level administrative leadership (President, Provost, VP for research and deans) should be highly supportive of this effort and be willing to contribute significant in-kind contributions (e.g. office space, administrative and logistical support, IT support, etc.). It should also be committed to financial membership (Tier I) in the Institute.

Proposals should be limited to no more than 10 pages in length be emailed to Dr. Ian L. Maw at APLU by Monday, April 1, 2018.