We are excited to announce Dr Kristina Osbjer as the new Director of Science at ICARS. With a key position in ICARS’ Executive Management, she will lead the growing Science Team, oversee the ICARS-supported project portfolio of more than 40 projects aiming to mitigate Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) across the One Health Spectrum and advocate for ICARS’ vision and mission on the global stage.
Kristina joined ICARS in June 2022, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience working in research, capacity development and managing emerging health threats, including AMR in low- and middle-income countries. Kristina holds a degree in veterinary medicine (DVM) and a PhD in One Health and Zoonotic Diseases from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. In the past, she served as Team Lead on AMR and One Health for FAO and has worked closely with governments and the Quadripartite on governance and control of AMR and infectious diseases.
For 2.5 years, she held the role of Veterinary Advisor at ICARS, providing technical support to project co-development and implementation, and strengthening the research-policy interface. In a short time, Kristina has made a great impact on ICARS’ development, supporting project teams on the ground, strengthening the ICARS team’s capacity, providing valuable input to ICARS’ strategic development and representing ICARS at multiple high-level events.
With her appointment to the role starting on January 1st 2025, Kristina looks forward to playing a key role in ICARS’ further development:
“I’m excited and honoured to lead ICARS’ diverse and multidisciplinary science team at this stage when ICARS evolves into a leading organization in addressing the global challenge of AMR, one of the most urgent crises of our time. I look forward to strengthening our network of stakeholders and empowering more countries to test solutions that deliver meaningful impact in addressing AMR across the One Health domain. This will require collaborative action, while also linking AMR mitigation efforts to other emerging global challenges and I will strive to inspire colleagues and partners to generate actionable and high-quality evidence that informs and translates into policy and practice, effectively bridging the gap between science and policy.”
Speaking on the positive announcement, ICARS’ Executive Director, Dr Sujith J. Chandy said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kristina Osbjer as the new Director of Science at ICARS. With her extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to addressing AMR through a One Health approach, Kristina is uniquely positioned to lead our growing Science Team. Her impressive track record, from her veterinary and research foundations to her experience fostering partnerships at ICARS and FAO, exemplifies her dedication to bridging science and policy to address global health challenges. Kristina’s contributions have already left a lasting mark on ICARS, and I am excited to drive our mission forward together with our partners and other stakeholders across the global stage.”
