Contact Members' Area Join

About us

What is FAILSAFE?

The FAILSAFE project, led by the University of Exeter’s MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) and funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), aims to tackle the growing threat of fungal antimicrobial resistance (fungal AMR). This innovative initiative seeks to reduce the burden of fungal diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the impact of AFR is most severe.

FAILSAFE provides funding opportunities for research and development (R&D) projects through three tiers: seedcorn projects (up to £75k), mid-range projects (£75k-£250k), and larger projects (up to £1 million). These funds aim to support research that accelerates the development of solutions to combat fungal AMR, including new diagnostics, therapies, and preventative strategies. By fostering global collaborations, particularly with LMIC partners, the project promotes innovation that is both context-specific and affordable.

One of the core principles of FAILSAFE is to ensure the outcomes of the research benefit those in LMICs directly. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that address real-world challenges at the point of care, making treatments accessible to those in need. The project focuses on key themes, such as microbial pathogenesis, biomarkers and diagnostics, innovative platforms, and the One Health approach, which considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Ultimately, FAILSAFE is part of a global effort to curb fungal AMR through interdisciplinary research and the development of sustainable, long-term partnerships. By supporting innovative research, FAILSAFE hopes to drive tangible improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of fungal diseases globally.

The latest

3 July 2025

Academic-Industry Mycology Partnerships Summit – 12 November 2025

Read article
18 June 2025

Research Coordinator wanted at the CMM Africa Unit!

Read article
12 June 2025

Global AMR Innovators Conference 1-3 October 2025 London, UK

Read article

Join the FAILSAFE community on LinkedIn or Bluesky now!

The FAILSAFE project is supported by a dedicated team of professionals:

Professor Gordon Brown

Co-Director

View Profile »

Professor Elaine Bignell

Co-Director

View Profile »

Holly Wright

Project Manager

View Profile »

Angus Urquhart

Business Development

View Profile »

Vanessa Moseley

Administrator

View Profile »

Alecia Viljoen

Administrator

View Profile »

Travis Hastings

Finance

View Profile »

Charlotte Beer

Legal Advisor

View Profile »

FUNDING

NETWORK

FUNDED RESEARCH

SPOTLIGHT ON AFR