Richard M. Anthony, The Netherlands

Dr. Anthony works at the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam, focused on the identification and detection of antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The research group he leads has developed innovative diagnostic solutions for updating microscopic protocols and molecular assays which have been implemented at scale. They also investigate the emergence and spread of successful mycobacterial strains with respect to epidemiological type and drug resistance and study the implications for tuberculosis control. Their aim is improving primary tuberculosis diagnostics and using the new and available tools most effectively to control the emerging epidemic of drug resistant bacteria, including making the optimal use of available antimicrobials and exploiting to the maximum extent these extraordinarily valuable compounds while preserving their effectiveness to the greatest extent possible.
Improving the diagnosis of infectious diseases to facilitate appropriate and effective treatment has long been the focus of dr. Anthony’s work. The use of multiplex assays for simultaneous typing and detection of resistance genes in bacteria, and the characterisation of complex bacterial communities is a continuing interest. Some of his findings have resulted in patents. Two of these patents form the background intellectual property of commercially produced assays. His research to date has been characterised by innovative and creative solutions to complex problems. He is regularly invited to talk at international meetings and workshops and is regarded as a provocative and inspiring speaker. He is a guest lecturer at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam where he gives courses on different aspects of bacterial diagnostics and antimicrobial compounds.