Professor Muna Anjum

Prof. Muna Anjum joined ACMSF in April 2025 and is an established national and international science lead in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic pathogens. She is passionate about science from basic microbiology to innovative research, promoting interdisciplinary multi-agency/institutional working, seizing opportunities in applying deterministic microbiology for tackling animal health and disease, including new and emerging hazards, threats to public health from zoonotic incursions, and possible challenges arising from international trade. She leads a team of scientists and PhD students (>30) that have been responsible for pioneering and building bacterial genomics, genomic surveillance and research at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for AMR and zoonotic pathogens. With her oversight and guidance, her team has delivered high impact translational science that aligns with UK government national action plan for AMR, assessing risk and transmission pathways under the “One-Health” umbrella. She also liaises closely with government policy advisors through her advisory roles in the DEFRA Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination (DARC) group, as a Registered Specialist for the Food Standards Agency, in addition to recently being appointed as a full member of the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food. She works closely with academia and holds Honorary/Visiting Professorships at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and the University of Surrey. Her vision is to work across government, academia and industry to build sustainable animal health in the UK, and globally, with minimal effect on public safety, which is spearheaded through innovative scientific developments. She has a strong track record for publishing, presenting, public speaking, and acquiring funding, with experience of leading large multi-million pounds/euros complex science projects that are multi-national, multi-centered, with diverse stakeholders. She is Chair of the APHA Academic Board promoting academic excellence, collaborations and retention for APHA staff by supporting a range of learning activities in collaboration with UK universities.