PACE has brought together a network of delivery partners to enable all aspects of outsourced project work across the PACE-funded project portfolio. PACE recognises that not all applicants will have the internal resources and pre-existing relationships required for end-to-end project delivery and, for that reason, wants to be able to facilitate connections and collaborations. Recipients of PACE Project Awards will retain the right to choose whom they work with to deliver their project, including where the Recipient has established relationships with their own delivery partners. PACE R&D Advisors will work closely with Recipients of funding to identify where access to a PACE delivery partner is in the best interests of the project.   

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

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. 

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.

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. 

Yes, these are global funding calls therefore, you can apply, subject to the eligibility criteria provided on the funding pages. You do not need a UK-based partner to apply.

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:

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

Representatives from managing partners (MDC, IUK and LifeArc) will review your application at the Expression of Interest stage. All partners will abide by PACE confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy and procedures. In addition, we may share applications with scientific experts and patient representatives who will also abide by PACE confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy and procedures.

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. 

Project funding will be provided as a philanthropic grant. Funding will be non-dilutive, and investigators will own all arising IP generated as set out in our T&Cs.

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. 

Payments will be made quarterly in arrears. 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.