E2S2 Workshop on
“Harmful Algal Blooms and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)”
The E2S2-CREATE, a collaborative programme between Shanghai Jiaotong University (SJTU) and National University of Singapore (NUS), under the ES2-Theme has been conducting in-depth studies on harmful algal blooms (HAB) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that are of emerging concerns to the environmental and public health within the urban landscapes of Shanghai and Singapore.
The advances and outcomes from the studies were showcased and shared through a one-day hybrid workshop jointly organised by NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI) at National University of Singapore together with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China held on 31 October 2022. The event was attended by more than 120 participants.
A total of 17 oral and 13 poster presentations were delivered by researchers from the E2S2-CREATE programme. The presentations shared the research findings on algal bloom such as the discovery of novel toxin and off-flavor producing cyanobacteria, algal-bacterial dynamics, the role of cyanophages and algal bloom predictions in surface water bodies; and AMR, namely, surveillance in wastewater and environmental waters, occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the environment, and AMR risk assessments and models.
Panel Session on Antimicrobial Resistance.
From left to right: Assoc Prof Karina Gin (NUS), Dr Judith Wong (NEA), Dr Chang Xiao Yun (PUB) and Adj Asst Prof Aung Kyaw Thu (SFA).
Panel discussions comprised members from National Environment Agency (NEA), PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and NUS concluded the sessions on HAB and AMR. The panel members, Dr Judith Wong (NEA), Dr Chang Siao Yun (PUB), Adj Asst Prof Aung Kyaw Thu (SFA), Prof Ong Choon Nam (NUS), Dr Mark Wong (PUB) and Dr Grace Chan (PUB), are experts with extensive knowledge and experience in the topics of interest. The potential implication and application of the research findings, and the future research needs in these areas were discussed during the sessions. The panel members commended on the achievements and the contribution from ES-2 project in filling the knowledge gaps. They further highlighted the concerted efforts through collaborations between researchers from SJTU and NUS in the ES-2 team with local agencies have led to practical and more informed findings for better decision-making by the stakeholders.