Michigan State University ranks ninth in the world and is the only U.S. university in the top ten in terms of advancements in environmental antimicrobial resistance research, according to a recent announcement by the Global Health Research and Policy.

“This recognition that reflects on accomplishments dating back to 2000 further establishes and reinforces MSU as a long-time leader of environmental antimicrobial resistance research,” said Jim Tiedje, University Distinguished Professor and founding director of MSU Center for Microbial Ecology.

For decades, the university has positioned itself globally as one of the preeminent institutions in research related to environmental science. In 1989, MSU was awarded one of the first National Science Foundation Science and Technology Centers dubbed the MSU Center for Microbial Ecology.

“Our microbial resistance work is an extension of that center,” Tiedje said. “The strength MSU has in this field is that of multidisciplinary expertise. We have researchers from a broad range of disciplines that have the expertise to come together to work on these problems.”

In 2017, MSU became the first U.S. institution to host the International Symposium on the Environmental Dimension of Antibiotic Resistance.

“We were able to host that symposium because we have this recognition of leadership that allowed us to put together a program that was broadly interesting for attendees worldwide — about 250 people attended from 36 countries,” Tiedje said.

Access full story at MSU Today.