Research expertise and methodologies

My research combines qualitative, quantitative, and normative approaches to study antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic use, and health policy. I use qualitative methods such as semi-structured stakeholder interviews and thematic analysis to examine institutional, behavioural, and ethical dimensions of antibiotic access and stewardship. I also conduct quantitative studies, including survey-based research and statistical analysis of behavioural and social determinants of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, I analyse digital communication and social media discourse on AMR. These empirical approaches are integrated with normative bioethical analysis and public health ethics frameworks using integrative normative-empirical methods to inform policy and governance.

Ongoing research projects

Humanities and Social Sciences in One Health: Promoting Just and Responsible Antibiotic Behaviour in Society (VR-funded)

This project investigates how social, ethical, and behavioural factors influence antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. It examines how different actors in society understand the value of antibiotics and the responsibilities associated with their use from a One Health perspective. The aim is to contribute knowledge from the humanities and social sciences to support more responsible antibiotic practices and sustainable responses to antimicrobial resistance.

Countering the spread of AMR via consumer behaviour: Playing the AMR card (VR-funded, PI Anna-Carin Nordvall)

This interdisciplinary project studies the role of consumer behaviour in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. It investigates consumers’ knowledge of AMR and how purchasing habits in areas such as food production relate to antibiotic use. The project also develops educational approaches to increase awareness and support more sustainable choices that contribute to long-term public health.

Valuing sustainable access to effective antibiotics: stakeholder reasoning and cross-domain tensions in Sweden (Vinnova-funded, PI Enrico Baraldi, PLATINEA)

This study examines how key stakeholders in Sweden reason about securing sustainable access to effective antibiotics. Through qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals, health system procurers, pharmaceutical industry representatives, and public agency officials, the research explores how different actors understand the value of antibiotic access and the trade-offs involved in maintaining it. The analysis draws on the 3D Value Framework, which distinguishes patient value, population value, and preparedness value, in order to examine how these dimensions are interpreted across institutional contexts

Key Publications

1. Samwel, E. V., Biasiotto, R., Mosha, M., & Ancillotti, M. (2025). Beyond symbolic participation: youth-led organisations’ voices and actions against antimicrobial resistance in Africa South of the Sahara. Global Health Action, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2601409
2. Nordvall, A. C., Nilsson, E., Oljans, E., & Ancillotti, M. (2025). Beyond the blame game: fostering consumer engagement in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Future Microbiology, 20(11), 711–714. https://doi.org/10.1080/17460913.2025.2528405
3. Ancillotti, M., Huls, S.P.I., Krockow, E.M. et al. Prosocial Behaviour and Antibiotic Resistance: Evidence from a Discrete Choice Experiment. Patient 17, 191–202 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-023-00666-3
4. Papadimou, D., Malmqvist, E. & Ancillotti, M. Socio-cultural determinants of antibiotic resistance: a qualitative study of Greeks’ attitudes, perceptions and values. BMC Public Health 22, 1439 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13855-w
5. Ancillotti M, Nilsson E, Nordvall A-C and Oljans E (2022) The Status Quo Problem and the Role of Consumers Against Antimicrobial Resistance. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 6:834022. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.834022
6. Ancillotti, M., Nihlén Fahlquist, J., & Eriksson, S. (2022). Individual moral responsibility for antibiotic resistance. Bioethics, 36, 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.12958
7. Ancillotti, M., Eriksson, S., Veldwijk, J. et al. Public awareness and individual responsibility needed for judicious use of antibiotics: a qualitative study of public beliefs and perceptions. BMC Public Health 18, 1153 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6047-8