The Antimicrobials: Behaviour and Cognition Network is a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together a diverse array of scientists from various fields who are invested in studying the behavioural and cognitive dimensions of antibiotics use. Through organizing regular meetings and research symposia at key conferences, the group provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and the fostering of cross-disciplinary partnerships, in pursuit of a shared goal of addressing the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance.
Please see below for a list of past and future activities.
The 4th Behavioural Insights and Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop
We would like to invite you to attend our upcoming 4th Behavioural Insights and Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop, focusing on how behavioural science can help tackle antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem that threatens the effective prevention and treatment of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Currently, antimicrobial resistance causes deaths to around 1.3 million people every year. It is estimated that around 39 million deaths could be ascribed to Antimicrobial Resistance by 2050.
The workshop will focus on exploring the cognitive and behavioural drivers of antimicrobial resistance and identifying opportunities for interventions that can help mitigate its impact. This may include but is not limited to factors in human healthcare (e.g., patients’ knowledge, preferences and behaviours, doctors’ prescriptions of antibiotics, doctor-patient interactions) and animal healthcare (e.g., animal farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and behaviours). The workshop offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow researchers and other experts in antimicrobial resistance, behaviour and cognition, including officials from various health organisations. We believe that your participation will contribute greatly to the success of this event and the broader initiative to address this critical issue. We encourage people from all disciplines, career stages and geographical regions to apply.
This year’s workshop will take place in the City of Galway in the West of Ireland. The city boasts a strong network of healthcare professionals, behavioural scientists, and public health researchers who are deeply involved in antimicrobial stewardship at national and international levels. Alongside its academic and professional strengths, Galway’s collaborative spirit and welcoming atmosphere make it a place where productive dialogue and new ideas can thrive.
Date and Application
The workshop will take place on Thursday 21st (9:00-17:30) and Friday 22nd of May 2026 (09:30-14:30) and will be held in person in the School of Psychology at the University of Galway. If you are interested in attending this workshop, then please complete the participation form by the 17th March 2026. We will communicate the acceptance of the talks by April 6th 2026.
We do not expect any fees to be necessary for attending the workshop. Please note that attendees will be responsible for covering their own accommodation and travel costs.
Confirmed Speakers and Participants
Keynote speakers
Professor Sarah Tonkin-Crine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
Professor Tonkin-Crine is a professor of Health Psychology and leads programmes of research utilising behavioural science approaches and qualitative methods in primary care research. She is an expert member of the UK Government’s Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Prescribing, Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (APRHAI) which provides practical and scientific advice to the government on minimising the risk of healthcare associated infections. She leads projects aimed at promoting antimicrobial stewardship in primary care.
Website: https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/team/sarah-tonkin-crine
Professor Tony Holohan, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for One Health, School of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtonyholohan/?originalSubdomain=ie
Professor Holohan is a public health physician with over three decades of experience in senior leadership and strategic health policy. He served as Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer from 2008 to 2022, leading the national COVID-19 response and advancing reforms that placed prevention, wellbeing, and equity at the centre of public policy. He is Director of the UCD One Health Centre, the first World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on One Health in Europe. His work promotes a whole-systems approach integrating human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Professor Holohan also serves on the boards of An Taisce, where he chairs the One Health Committee, the Irish Hospice Foundation, and FutureNeuro. His current focus is on strengthening One Health literacy, resilience, and justice-informed policy to support a healthier, more equitable society.
Other participants include:
Dr Scott Walkin, Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Prevention and Control Lead, Irish College of General Practitioners, Ireland
Professor Cristín Ryan, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Prof Lucie Byrne-Davis, Professor of Health Psychology, The University of Manchester, UK
Professor Robert Böhm, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Social and Behavioural Research in Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Vienna, Austria
Professor Joanne Hart, Professor of Health Professional Education and Health Psychologist, University of Manchester, UK
Professor Miroslav Sirota, Professor of Psychology, University of Essex, UK
Full workshop more programme details to be confirmed in April 2026
Travelling
To Galway: Galway is a 2.5-hour drive or coach trip from Dublin Airport via the M6 motorway, with regular direct bus services operated by Citylink, and train connections from Heuston Station in Dublin. Shannon Airport and Ireland West (Knock) Airport are each around one hour from Galway, with Bus Éireann Expressway operating daily coach services. Car hire is available at all major airports and in Galway City. For sustainable travel options, GetThere.ie combines rail, bus, and lift-sharing routes across Ireland. https://www.galwaytourism.ie/travel/getting-to-galway/
To the workshop venue: The workshop will be held in the School of Psychology at the University of Galway. Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tr4mTuELMcaiX2qu8 Please note that the venue accommodates wheelchairs. If you have any specific accessibility requirements, we kindly ask you to contact us in advance so we can ensure your needs are met.
Accommodation
Book your own accommodation: Galway offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ESuT3kjqBNvZ8LR7
Budget priced rooms in the University campus are available. If you would like to reserve one of these rooms, then please make your booking here early and by 19th April at the latest. Select ABC Network in the event drop down menu: University of Galway Campus Accommodation for Conferences & Events | Atalia Student Residences DAC
Local Organisers
Gerry Molloy, Anthony Maher, Kevin Roche School of Psychology, University of Galway and Alison Burrell, Animal Health Ireland
ABC Network Steering Committee
Robert Böhm, Eva Krockow, Miroslav Sirota, Lucie Byrne-Davis
Symposium “Sustainable antimicrobial use: Innovations in theory, practice and evidence” at 39th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Groningen, Netherland (August 2025) Behavioural Insights and Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop, 15th and 16th May 2025, University of Vienna, Austria
Symposium “The Psychology of Sustainable Use of Antibiotics” at 38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Cascais, Portugal (August 2024)
Symposium “Towards a Better Understanding of Antibiotics Expectations and Use” at 36th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Bratislava (August 2022)
EHPS 2022 | 36th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society
Behavioural Insights and Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop, 8th and 9th of June, University of Essex
Symposium “Understanding Antibiotic Use: In the Lab and in the Wild” at 37th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Bremen (September 2023).
EHPS 2023 | 37th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society
2nd Behavioural Insights and Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop, 3rd and 4th of June, University of Essex.
Symposium “The Psychology of Sustainable Use of Antibiotics” at 38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Cascais (September 2024).