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Beyond Antibiotics – The Launch of Our 2026 Grant Call!

Over the years, we have supported innovative research and educational initiatives aimed at reducing infection risk, improving antimicrobial stewardship, and strengthening awareness around the misuse of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance remains one of the top ten global public health threats, as identified by the World Health Organization. When pathogens evolve to resist antimicrobials, infections become harder, more expensive, and sometimes impossible to treat. Without decisive preventive action, even newly developed antibiotics risk losing their effectiveness. While continued antibiotic development is important, reducing the need for antibiotics in the first place is one of the most sustainable and impactful strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance. In line with this commitment, this year’s focus is: “Beyond Antibiotics: Preventive Strategies That Lower the Need for Antibiotic Use.”

Frequently asked questions

  • Where can I see previous grantees?

    You can see all the previous grantees on our website. Note that the scope and criteria of our calls have shifted over time, so previous projects are not always representative for what kind of projects we are most likely to fund going forward.

  • Who reads my application? Is it safe to share confidential information?

    The selection is done by the staff and the board of PAR Foundation. The only instance when details from an application is shared with a third party is if an external expert is needed to support the assessment, which would then be done with a confidentiality agreement in place. All information submitted through the application platform is safely stored.

    However, we believe it is unusual that confidential information needs to be shared in the first step of the application. If you do share especially sensitive information, for example information related to a patent application that is yet to be filed, please notify us in a follow-up email after submitting your application so that we can ensure that it is not shared with external experts without your consent.

  • Where can I find information about the selection criteria and the application process?

    You can find this information by following the blue link above for the grant call that you are interested in.

  • What types of costs can be included in the budget?

    In principle, any cost that is important for the execution of a project can be included.

  • Can I apply for the educational grant to finance my university studies?

    No, the educational grant is not meant to cover regular studies at the university or similar institutions. This grant is meant for projects to spread knowledge around preventive actions to stop AMR. 

  • Will all applicants be contacted regarding the outcome of their submission?

    Only applicants whose proposals are shortlisted for an interview or further consideration will be contacted. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide individual feedback on applications that are not selected. We encourage all applicants to carefully follow the guidelines and ensure that their proposals clearly address the 2026 theme and evaluation criteria.

Scope of the Call

The PAR Foundation Research Grant 2026 supports innovative projects that take a preventive approach to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We are particularly interested in strategies that reduce the need for antimicrobial use by preventing infections, limiting transmission, or enabling earlier and more targeted interventions.

Projects may address bacterial, viral, fungal, or other pathogens, provided there is a clear preventive focus. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches that combine science, technology, and implementation.

Projects primarily focused on the development of new antimicrobial agents (e.g. antibiotics or antifungals) are out of scope, unless clearly embedded within a broader preventive strategy.

Eligibility

  • Open to researchers and organisations globally

  • Applicants must be affiliated with a university, research institute, or equivalent non-profit organisation

  • The Principal Investigator (PI) must lead the project and be responsible for its execution

  • The host institution must be able to receive and administer grant funding

  • Projects must focus on preventive strategies that reduce the need for antimicrobial use

  • Projects focused primarily on the development of new antibiotics or antifungal drugs are not eligible

  • Both early-career and established researchers are welcome to apply

  • Each applicant may submit one application per call

Grant Scope

Research Grants:

  • Up to 1,000,000 SEK

  • Duration: typically up to 3 years

Educational Grants:

  • Up to 300,000 SEK

  • Duration: typically 12 months

How to Apply

  • Applications are submitted via the platform

  • All required information is collected directly in the application form

Evaluation Criteria of PAR Foundation

IMPACT / IMPORTANCE: We prioritize projects with the potential for a significant impact on preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. Applicants should clearly describe the expected real-world impact and who will benefit.

FEASIBILITY: Projects should have a well-founded design, balancing bold innovation with a strong evidence base.
Applicants should demonstrate that the project is realistic and achievable within the proposed timeframe.

CATALYST POTENTIAL: We prioritize projects that can spark further research, interventions, or policy changes with a lasting effect.
We value projects that can lead to follow-up funding, broader implementation, or systemic change.

SCALABILITY: We encourage projects that can be scaled, replicated, or shared broadly to maximize their impact.
Applicants should indicate how results could be expanded beyond the initial project setting.

NEGLECTEDNESS: We prioritize projects in underfunded areas where critical work is unlikely to receive support from other grant-makers. Applicants should explain why this work is currently overlooked or insufficiently funded.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 30 April 2026

  • Interviews: Educational grants: May 2026, Research grants: August 2026

Final decision: Early October 2026

Contact
Ghadeh Norberg
General Secretary, PAR Foundation
ghadeh.norberg@parfoundation.org

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