James J. Collins, the Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science at MIT and faculty co-lead of the Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health, is launching a groundbreaking multidisciplinary initiative that combines synthetic biology and generative artificial intelligence to combat the escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The project is funded by Jameel Research, part of the Abdul Latif Jameel International network, and will run for three years with a $3 million investment. Based at MIT’s Department of Biological Engineering and the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, the research aims to develop and validate programmable antibacterials designed to target specific pathogens with precision. AMR, fueled by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, has led to a surge in drug-resistant infections, while the pipeline for new antibacterial treatments has stalled. The consequences are especially severe in low- and middle-income countries, where weak diagnostic infrastructure often leads to delayed or inappropriate treatment. The project leverages AI to design small, custom proteins capable of disrupting essential bacterial functions. These synthetic molecules will be produced and delivered by engineered microbes, creating a dynamic, adaptable system that can evolve alongside resistant strains—offering a significant advantage over traditional broad-spectrum antibiotics. “This project reflects my belief that tackling AMR requires both bold scientific ideas and a clear pathway to real-world impact,” Collins said. “Jameel Research is committed to addressing this crisis by supporting innovative, translatable research at MIT.” Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, chair of Abdul Latif Jameel, emphasized the urgency of the challenge: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most pressing threats to global health today. Solving it demands ambitious science, long-term investment, and strong collaboration across disciplines and borders. We are proud to support this vital research, building on our enduring partnership with MIT and our mission to advance health solutions that strengthen communities worldwide and contribute to a more resilient future.”