Using a food systems approach to examine the cost-effectiveness of AMR reduction targets on meat supply chains

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the quintessential planetary One Health challenge with the problem of injudicious use of antimicrobial (AM) medicines in both clinical and veterinary practice attracting increasing regulatory scrutiny (O’Neill, 2016). The scientific consensus is that we need to reduce AM use, and to do this we need to understand baseline use and options for reducing on farm. We also need to understand how management decisions beyond the farm gate can affect usage. There have also been novel suggestions to tax AM use (Van Boeckel et al 2017) or to cap usage (i.e. targets) and to use tradable permits (Moran 2017) as efficient forms of regulation. But so far there is no research on how this might work and where targets, taxes or permits would operate in production supply chains.
Clarifying these points of responsibility and potential intervention provides a basis for dialogue with stakeholders to consider the cost and effectiveness of alternative regulatory interventions. In essence we can treat AMR as akin to other environmental pollutants (e.g. greenhouse gases), considering the evidence needs for parallel regulatory interventions by government and or the private sector.
This studentship will consider the problem of AMR and supply chain regulation. It aims to train the candidate in a variety of skills and disciplinary perspectives relevant to a One Health approach to AMR. The student will spend the first year taking relevant modules offered across the University of Edinburgh, focusing on microbiology, veterinary epidemiology, resource economics and environmental regulation. They will gain more practical exposure to the issue through interaction with farmers, vets and industry consultants and the Scottish Government.

Application procedures
Applications including a statement of interest and full CV with names and addresses (including email addresses) of two academic referees, should be emailed to [Email Address Removed].
When applying for the studentship please state clearly the title of the studentship and the supervisor/s in your covering letter.

All applicants should also apply through the University’s on-line application system for September 2018 entry via
http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=830

Applicants for the Principal’s career development studentship must also complete the specific on-line application form.

Applicants for an Enlightenment Scholarship must also complete the specific on-line application form.
ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSING DATE 16th January 2018