Henrik C. Wegener will become Denmark’s first high-level representative for antimicrobial resistance. Appointed by the Danish Minister for Health, he will represent Denmark internationally until the end of 2028 and strengthen collaboration with decision-makers and expert communities around the world. He will also help ensure that Danish research and research-based solutions are put to use internationally.
The appointment is a natural continuation of a career focused on antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases. Henrik C. Wegener is Professor and Programme Director at the DTU National Food Institute and was among those who established DANMAP, Denmark’s programme for monitoring antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance in humans, animals and food.
For decades, the DTU National Food Institute has been internationally recognised for its research on antimicrobial resistance and scientific advice to public authorities in this field. The Institute hosts the EU Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance and is a designated Collaborating Centre for both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Through these international roles, researchers at the Institute contribute to resistance surveillance, the development and harmonisation of laboratory methods, and laboratory capacity building, helping more countries strengthen their ability to detect and monitor antimicrobial resistance.
“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. It is a global challenge and therefore requires close collaboration between researchers, public authorities, healthcare systems and international organisations. Denmark has a strong foundation in research, innovation and practical experience in this field, and I look forward to helping ensure that this knowledge is put to even greater use internationally,” says Henrik C. Wegener.
As part of his mandate, Henrik C. Wegener will support the work of the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS). The Danish-initiated international centre, based in Copenhagen, works with low- and middle-income countries to translate research and knowledge into practical solutions that can help curb antimicrobial resistance and strengthen health systems.
