The MRSA infection will be discussed

The annual European Drug Utilisation Research Group (EuroDURG) is holding its first event in Ireland at the University of Ulster in Coleraine.

Reseachers, from 18 European countries, will discuss antibiotic resistance.

They will talk about improving patient compliance with medication and the potential harmful effects of medicines.

Peter Davey, a government advisor on the threat of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the growth of superbugs like MRSA will address the conference.

EuroDURG is a scientific society studying the use of medicines by patients, doctors, pharmacists and nurses and researching ways to improve the safety and effectiveness of medical treatment.

Conference organiser Professor Hugh McGavock, a visiting professor of prescribing science, said: "The decision of EuroDURG to come to Coleraine is a tremendous coup for the University of Ulster.

"The delegates include some of the very best researchers in the world in this field, including a large contingent from Sweden, one of the leading centres in the world for research into the efficacy and safety of prescribed medicines."

Tracey Boyce will deliver the first report on the work of the newly formed Northern Ireland Medicines Governance Team which examines drug prescribing to patients in hospitals.