What is ARAC ?
The Antibiotic Resistance Action Center (ARAC) at the George Washington University (GW) was created to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics by engaging in research, advocacy, and science-based policy. ARAC is focused on finding out-of-the box solutions to antibiotic resistance, one of the greatest public health threats of our time.
ARAC fills a unique niche. No other academic organization in the U.S. pairs original research with strategic communication and policy strategies to advance solutions to combat antibiotic resistance. We recognize other great work in the field and are collaborating with leading scientists and organizations in the U.S. and abroad where there are overlapping objectives. (See our Partner section for more information.)
ARAC's primary goals are to:
- Uncover the origins and drivers of antibiotic- resistant bacteria
- Promote evidence-based policy and practice in human medicine and agriculture
- Engage consumers and policymakers using new and traditional media
- Quantify the drug-resistant human infections arising from antibiotic overuse in food animals
- Identify targets for new diagnostics to guide antibiotic prescription, improve patient care, and decrease costs
- Develop probiotic therapies to block the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Promote market-based solutions to improve antibiotic stewardship in agriculture
ARAC is part of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. The center and its research lab are housed in GW’s newly opened Science and Engineering Hall -- a $275 million, 500,000 square-foot interdisciplinary research facility with state-of-the-art research space.