The REVERSE project marked a significant milestone at this year's ESCMID Global in Munich (17-22 April 2026), with a high-profile presence that underscored the project's maturity and its unique role in the European fights against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

A Spolight in Implementation

A key highlight was the dedicated REVERSE Symposium on 17 April: "Enhancing Infection Prevention and Control through Implementation Science: the REVERSE Experience". Chaired by REVERSE Principle Investigator Walter Zingg and National EUCIC Coordinator Tatjana Lejko Zupanc, the session drew a large audience of clinicians and researchers eager to learn from our frontline experiences in high-prevalence settings.

The symposium didn't just present data, it examined how implementation science can be embedded into infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies and discussed the influence of organisational culture on successful implementation. Speakers explored the importance of boundry spanning and connecting across disciplines and departments to enable change. Finally, the role of leadership in driving and sustainting IPC improvements was addresssed. 

Beyond the Symposium: Scientific Exchange

The REVERSE teams were highly active throughout the five-day congress, contributing to the global dialogue on AMR through poster sessions and oral abstract presentations.

From Outbreak Analysis to Clinical Strategy

Our team contributed to several high-impact oral sessions, presenting results that bridge the gap between laboratory surveillance and bedside decision making.

Highlights included an in-depth analysis by Juan Manuel Sánchez-Calvo on a complex nosocomial outbreak of a high-risk Klebsiella pneumonia clone. Complementing this were two multi-centre quasi-experimental studies from our Italian partners: Daniele Fasen discussed the use of MDR screening to guide perioperative prophylaxis in colorectal surgery, while Rebecca Scardellato presented findings on the vital role of rectal swabs in driving empirical antibiotic therapy for febrile neutropenic patients.

Together, these presentations showcased the REVERSE project's commitment to evidence-based strategies that tackle antimicrobial resistance in high-risk clinical settings.

Award-Winning Science and Stewardship Insights

The REVERSE poster sessions were a focal point for lively discussion, particularly on Tuesday, when the project recived significant recognition from the ESCMID Scientific Committee. We were honoured to have two abstracts selected as Top-Rated, both originating from WP1. These awarded posters provided critical descriptive and preliminary incidence data on healthcare-associated infections due to multidrug-resistant microorganisms across several European countries, drawing from our large-scare cluster randomised clinical trial.

Beyond the awards, WP4 showcased the practical "tools of the trade", incluing a multinational validation of the REVERSE antibiotic stewardship tool and a deep dive into the transition from restrictive stewardship to the "handshake model" in Northern Italy - the latter also being selected for a featured Poster Walk, led by Dr Amina Zaffagnini.

From ESCMID to the World Health Organisation

The impact of the REVERSE presence in Munich was felt almost immediately. Following her key contribution to the REVERSE Symposium, Dr María Teresa Pérez-Rodríguez (Hospital Universitario Álvaro Cunqueiro) was invited by the World Health Organisation to be a guest speaker at their global webinar for World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May.

Her presentation showcased "Implementing IPC Bundles: Lessons from the REVERSE Project".

This invitation represents a major acheivement for the project, demonstrating how REVERSE's evidence-based IPC strategies are being recognised as gold-standard practises on the global stage. Explore the webinar recordings.

Looking Ahead

As Escmid Global wraps up, the REVERSE project remains focussed on the final phases of imnplementation, data colelction, and the long-term sustainability of our intervention bundles. The energy and feedback received in Munich confirms that our collaborative, expert-led approach is a vital cog in tackling the challenges of AMR in Europe and beyond. 

Missed us in Munich?

Come and join the team at our international conference being held in Zurich from 20 to 21 November 2026!

This CME-accredited two-day programme offers a comprehensive overview on the accomplishments of REVERSE project - both in its multi-layered concept and in a global context.

The programme brings researchers from the REVERSE consortium together with international experts and public health leaders. The conference offers a unique platform to examine the problem of emerging resistance from various angles and perspectives, and to work towards decision making for effective strategies for patient safety.

Learn More!