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Dr Refath Farzana

Research Member of Common Room

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department of Biology

Refath’s research focuses on the intersection of epidemiology, the drivers of antimicrobial resistance, and its associated burden. He employs advanced methodologies such as whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics and bioinformatic analysis, in conjunction with traditional bacteriological techniques. He is dedicated to strengthening microbiology capacity, particularly in resource-limited regions, while supporting researchers in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Since 2011, he has been actively involved in teaching medical microbiology and conducting research. After completing his PhD at Cardiff University in 2020, he started the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate for the COVID-19/DRI project in 2021.

In 2023, Refath officially became the Scientific Project Lead for the BALANCE study, having contributed to the initiative since 2022. This multi-country project aims to estimate AMR’s clinical and economic burden in both adult and paediatric populations. His responsibilities encompass study design, obtaining ethical clearance, securing funding, and significantly contributing to developing protocols and various scientific materials. He is also involved in developing a cost-effective diagnostic tool for sepsis. As the lead scientist for IOI-led projects in Bangladesh, he has successfully established the BALANCE and BARNARDS projects within the country. This role entails setting up a BSL2 laboratory at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, implementing good laboratory practices, providing microbiology training and selecting clinical cohorts, and developing strategies for clinical engagement.

Furthermore, Refath designed and implemented a web-based application to enhance project coordination and management in Bangladesh. He is engaged in several parallel initiatives, including the ‘BURN SEPSIS’ project, which investigates the impact of AMR in burn sepsis patients, and the ‘One Health’ AMR initiatives in Bangladesh.