School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton UK

Bacteriophage research for clinical applications primarily focuses on the biology of phages, their interactions with bacterial hosts, and their impacts on patients. However, there is a lack of research on public perceptions of phage therapy. To address this gap, we have launched a citizen-science outreach project with three main objectives.

Firstly, we aim to educate and raise awareness among the general public about antibiotic resistance and the therapeutic potential of phages. To achieve this, we have developed various accessible resources, including an information leaflet, a card game, a craft activity, and a willingness survey. Together, these resources cater to individuals from different backgrounds and age groups, and some will be translated into different languages to accommodate a diverse audience. The willingness survey will reveal insights into public perceptions and attitudes towards phage therapy, informing our advocacy efforts.

Secondly, we are building a comprehensive biobank of fully characterised phages targeting clinically relevant strains of bacteria. Through a sampling activity, individuals will collect water samples from their local environments. These samples will be sent to our laboratory for phage isolation and characterization, thereby creating a diverse collection of phages from all over the world for phage research. To foster a sense of ownership in their contributions to the project, citizen scientists will be given the opportunity to name their own phage – if isolated from their samples. This publicly accessible collection will support research endeavours in phage therapy for non-commercial purposes.

Lastly, we will collaborate with Public Policy Southampton to engage policymakers on the clinical use of phages in the UK. Our key focus will be on advocating for the removal of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements for phage therapy, which would streamline the clinical trials process and facilitate the compassionate use of phages in the UK.

Through this multi-faceted approach, our project aims to bridge the gap between phage research and public perception, while also building a valuable phage biobank and advocating for improved accessibility of phage therapy in the UK. By actively involving the public and policymakers, we hope to create a meaningful knowledge exchange and drive positive change in the field of phage therapy.