PACE funding application process

Expressions of Interest (EoI) for our third PACE funding round opened on 1 October and closes on 5 November 2025. In this guide, Dr Eamon Dubaissi, Partnership Manager at PACE, explains the process – from first submission to the final funding decision.

At PACE, our goal is clear: identify projects with the greatest potential through a rigorous yet supportive process. We help applicants strengthen their proposals, connect with partners, and provide constructive feedback to benefit them now and with their future applications.

How do I submit an EoI and what happens next?

When a funding round opens, the key details are outlined on our funding page, including call scope and eligibility requirements. We then host an informational webinar to provide further guidance and an opportunity to ask questions. We publish the webinar recording, FAQs and guidance documents on our funding page, alongside an enquiry form for more detailed project-specific questions. Following submission, EoIs are reviewed and triaged by members of our PACE team, who together have many years’ experience in antimicrobial drug/diagnostics discovery and development.

What support will I receive to develop my full application?

Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application. Here, applicants are supported by a two-month Catalyser to help shape strong project proposals. This stage provides applicants with tools, guidance and expert support – resources that are useful to all applicants, but particularly beneficial for those with less experience in writing these types of grant applications.

• What happens during the Catalyser workshop? The Catalyser begins with a workshop, during which the application form requirements are outlined, and further guidance is given. During the Catalyser, project teams can also discuss their applications with dedicated PACE R&D advisors.
• How can I find project delivery partners? We introduce applicants to a network of potential delivery partners to support any outsourced work they would like to incorporate into their proposals.
• How do I write an effective lay summary? All applicants are asked to submit a lay summary as part of their application. This is reviewed by a panel of patients and carers with lived experience of AMR, collectively termed the AMR Community Representatives Committee (ACRC). It is vital that people affected by AMR have the opportunity to be involved and help shape research. They can only do this if the research is explained clearly. Vocal, our public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) partner, support applicants to write impactful lay summaries and the ACRC to review them. Our engagement with patients and carers has been well-received, as discussed in this blog by Vocal PPIE manager, Dr Emily Howlett.

Who reviews my full application and how are decisions made?

In the final stage of the process, the full applications are reviewed by a panel of internationally renowned experts, known as the Scientific Projects Advisory Group (SPAG). Different groups are convened, depending on the topic and scope of each funding round. The experts conduct their reviews, supported by additional diligence from the PACE team, and then meet to discuss the proposals. The ACRC also input into this meeting, providing review and scoring of the lay summaries. The SPAG provides their recommendations on which projects to fund, and PACE uses these recommendations to make the final decisions, which are communicated to the applicants.

PACE Funding Opportunities

Ready to apply? View live opportunities, the criteria, and apply for funding here.