Passion Project: “Futures Resistance – Conscious Use of Antibiotics and the Role of the Microbiome”
On May 9th, 2026, a student-led conference addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges—antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—was organized at International Burch University as part of a Passion Project.
Titled “Conscious Use of Responsible Antibiotics and the Role of the Microbiome,” the event aimed to bring the conversation on AMR beyond academic and clinical settings, making it accessible, relevant, and actionable for a broader community.
The conference gathered over 70 participants from diverse academic backgrounds, including medicine, pharmacy, biology, and engineering, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of antimicrobial resistance and the shared responsibility in addressing it.
About the Project Concept
The Futures Resistance project was designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public awareness. While the microbiome represents a fundamental pillar of human health, it is increasingly threatened in the era of antimicrobial resistance.
Through this conference, the team aimed to raise awareness about the responsible use of antibiotics and emphasize the importance of preserving the microbiome in both clinical practice and everyday life.
By creating a space for dialogue between students and professionals, the project encouraged participants not only to understand the complexity of AMR but also to recognize their role in contributing to more responsible healthcare practices.
Team and Organization
Futures Resistance is a team of four dedicated students and Junior Scholars: Asja Omerović, Ema Brljak, Hajra Smajić and Nadija Velić, who actively contributed to the project, with Hajra and Nadija participating remotely from Spain during their Erasmus exchange.
The project was developed under the mentorship of Senior Scholar Melisa Musić, whose guidance supported the team throughout the entire process—from initial idea development to the successful realization of the conference.
Together, the team conceptualized and organized the conference, demonstrating how student-led initiatives can create meaningful platforms for education, discussion, and impact.
Speakers and Panel Discussion
The conference featured six distinguished speakers from various fields, each contributing unique expertise to the topic of antimicrobial resistance and microbiome health:
Šejla Kotorić Keser, MD, MSc., spec.
Dr. pharm. sc. Lana Lekić, spec.
Almira Avdić, MSc
Merjem Pustahija, MPharm
Lejla Drinčić, MPharm
Dr. sc. Marizela Šabanović
Through their presentations and participation in the panel discussion, the speakers provided valuable insights into clinical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional perspectives on antibiotic use and microbiome preservation.
The panel discussion created an engaging environment where knowledge exchange extended beyond lectures, encouraging critical thinking and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Impact and Takeaways
The Futures Resistance conference demonstrated that antimicrobial resistance is not solely a clinical issue, but a broader societal challenge requiring collaboration across disciplines.
By bringing together students from different academic backgrounds, the event reinforced the importance of collective responsibility and proactive engagement in addressing global health concerns.
Participants left the conference with a deeper understanding of the microbiome, increased awareness of responsible antibiotic use, and a stronger sense of their role in shaping future healthcare practices.
Mentorship and Support
The successful realization of this project was made possible with the support and mentorship of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Futures Foundation, as well as dedicated guidance provided throughout the project journey.
Mentorship played a key role in empowering the team to transform their idea into a fully realized conference, reinforcing the importance of structured support in student-led initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Futures Resistance stands as an example of how young people can take initiative in addressing complex global challenges through education, collaboration, and action.
By moving the conversation on antimicrobial resistance from the laboratory into the community, this Passion Project highlights the power of youth-driven efforts in creating awareness and inspiring change.