Microbes vs Medicine: A Bash the Bug Art Competition

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) fighting a punchbag representing antibiotics by a previous winner, Marni (age 9)

This week is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (18th–24th November)! To celebrate and raise awareness, we invite you to participate in our exciting art competition, Microbes vs Medicine. Open to all ages, this competition highlights the fascinating interplay between the invisible world of microbes and the power of medicine while addressing the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Why Antimicrobial Awareness Matters

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to the medicines designed to combat them. This means life-saving treatments like antibiotics may become less effective, putting millions of lives at risk. Through this competition, part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, we aim to spread knowledge about AMR and inspire action toward its responsible management.

We want to see your creative interpretation of the relationship between microbes and medicine. Your artwork could depict the battle, harmony, or interplay between these forces, emphasizing the importance of understanding and combating AMR.

---

About the Competition

This art competition is proudly hosted by the Modernising Medical Microbiology group at the University of Oxford as part of our public engagement project, Bash the Bug. Dedicated to raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance through education and community involvement, Bash the Bug invites you to explore science through art!

This initiative is inspired by a previous winner, Marni (age 9), who created the imaginative depiction of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) fighting a punchbag representing antibiotics shown above. This artwork exemplifies how creativity can make complex issues like AMR accessible and engaging.

---

Prizes and Recognition

Winning entries will receive special prizes and will be featured in our online gallery for all to admire.

---

How to Enter

Submit your artwork by 20th December to bashthebug@gmail.com with your name and age.

---

We can’t wait to see how your creativity brings Microbes vs Medicine to life. Let’s spread awareness and inspire change together!