Frequently Asked Questions

To find out more and apply to join the delivery partner network, please visit the Delivery Partner Network webpage.

As part of PACE support, we are tackling barriers to AMR therapeutic and diagnostic development by connecting global innovators with UK national capabilities to help shape and drive projects forward. One such cross-cutting collaboration established is with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to enable early evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity across the PACE therapeutics portfolio. We are continually assessing the AMR ecosystem to identify additional capabilities that can strengthen delivery of our portfolio of projects and address common gaps within data packages. To find out more about enabling technologies and capabilities, please visit the Partnerships page.

Yes, non-traditional approaches are encouraged; both with respect to modality and mechanism of action. This could include anti-virulence, host targeting and any other novel approaches.

We are looking for novelty; this could include novel approaches to existing targets (e.g., new binding site or new modality etc.). It could also include a hit from a phenotypic screen with antimicrobial activity but where the molecular target is not known. We encourage you to reach out for further discussion on your project if needed. 

This would depend on the novelty of repurposing. For example, expanding the label of an approved antibiotic would not be in scope, while repurposing or repositioning of a drug approved in a different disease context may be in scope if there is a clear rationale for direct or indirect antimicrobial properties and a need for activities within hit-lead and/or lead optimisation. 

Yes, these are in line with those outlined in the webinar and available within the webinar slides. The criteria are aligned with the published CARB-X stage-entry criteria.  If you require further clarity, we encourage you to talk to us ahead of applying for further advice. 

Whilst this call will not fund solely IND enabling studies, carrying out activities within hit-lead and lead optimisation to further validate and align the asset for indications outlined in the call would be in scope. We would therefore encourage you to apply for this call and arrange a meeting with us to discuss in more detail. In your EOI submission, you will need to convey that there is a credible strategy to advance your asset all the way to clinical trials.  

We welcome applications from academics and SMEs meeting the funding call's eligibility criteria.

A breakdown of the different organisation sizes is in the below table:

We encourage a diverse range of applications. If you are not from an SME or academia, we encourage you to contact us so we can discuss your individual circumstances. 

Yes, but a lead applicant from an eligible SME, academic or organisation would need to be listed on the application. Co-applicants will be subject to the same standard PACE T&Cs as the lead applicant.   

A Principal investigator would typically be a research active member of staff (incl. Postdoctoral researchers) who can demonstrate: experience in the successful management and delivery of (ideally translational) research projects; experience in leading collaborative research projects; and relevant technical expertise.

Yes, if the projects are distinct and unrelated. Please note: If you have an asset with potential in multiple indications, please include all relevant indications within a single application.

No. However, applicants will need to articulate a clear plan as to what capability, tools or facilities will be accessed to deliver the proposed research plan, either through collaboration with project partners or by outsourcing defined parts of the research plan to Contract Research Organisations (CROs). Any gaps or areas applicants would like support on can be outlined in the respective section of the expression of interest. Applicants that are invited to submit a full application to PACE following expressions of interest will have the opportunity to take part in a Catalyser which will include the opportunity for PACE to facilitate connections with the PACE Delivery Partner Network. Value for money must be demonstrated for outsourced CRO work. 

We want to support innovators and would encourage you to apply to other calls; resubmission of the same proposal without addressing feedback would be likely rejected.

We would always welcome enquiries and may be able to help or advise. You can contact us and also sign up to receive PACE news. 

On the funding pages for each funding round, you can find a graphic depicting the stages and timescales of the application process. 

When a funding call is live, you can access the application portal on the relevant funding page for that call.

We strongly encourage that key data or material to support the application should be included and references (PMIDs) provided throughout.

The funding round launch webinar and supporting slides for each funding round provide an overview of PACE, a detailed description of the call scope and application process. During an open funding call, you can complete an enquiry form on the relevant funding page so we can answer your questions. For general enquiries, you can reach out to us via our Contact Us page.

Yes, you can, once you have logged in using the Submittable link and filled in the applicant section.

Yes, you will be informed as to whether your application has been successful soon after a decision has been made, and we will aim to provide brief summary feedback.

Timelines for the whole application process can be found on the funding page for the call you are interested in. The exact start time of the project may vary depending on the nature of the project, applicant timelines and contracts being confirmed for all parties. We anticipate that projects will start within three months of receipt of the Award Letters. 

At this stage, we’re looking for a high-level overview of project objectives and key deliverables, as well as an outline of the workstreams and associated milestones. Overall project budget and breakdown by milestones should be provided, however, we will work with successful applicants to refine these in the Full Application stage. 

Awards shall cover 100% of the direct costs of the Recipient Project, provided such costs are Permitted Expenditure. Permitted Expenditure is expenditure which is reasonably incurred and properly evidenced and is directly related to and necessary for the delivery of the Project, in accordance with the Project Plan and Budget; complies with the Subsidy Law (in the case of a UK enterprise) and is not an expenditure on an Ineligible Cost. Examples of types of permitted expenditure include an appropriate %FTE of staff (Post Docs), plus consumables directly related to funded work, access to specialist equipment/reagents, and Contract Research Organisation work. Details on permitted expenditure can be found in the T&Cs with further post-award funding guidance also available. 

Whilst there is no cap per se, expenditure would need to be justified. Please see PACE T&Cs and Post Award Funding Guidance document for details on permitted expenditure. 

No, overheads are not a permitted cost. Only direct costs will be funded. PACE post award guidance which includes information on permitted costs is available here.

The purchase of equipment more than £8,333.33 excluding VAT or equivalent foreign sales tax is classed as capital equipment and not permitted for this funding call. The purchase of equipment less than £8,333.33 excluding VAT or equivalent foreign sales tax is classed as materials and is permitted. Full details of permitted costs are described in the Post Award Funding Guidance document available on the website. 

Payments will be made to the Lead Recipient quarterly in arrears based on actual costs incurred and defrayed in accordance with the agreed budget. Payments will be limited to the current active milestone working towards agreed associated success criteria.

If you are a UK Enterprise (as defined in the Subsidy Control Act 2022) and any part of the award sums provided to you are provided by UKRI-Innovate UK, this portion of the award is a subsidy and is provided under the RDI Streamlined Route. Recipients shall comply with the requirements of the Subsidy Control Act, the Streamlined Route, and any other applicable legislation.