International collaboration raises funding to combat escalating threat of fungal AMR

A new collaboration between the University of Exeter and a leading health and life sciences institution in Latin America will boost funding available to research projects aiming to make a difference in fungal antimicrobial resistance (fAMR). The University of Exeter’s FAILSAFE project funded by the UK Government’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) aims to accelerate fungal AMR research in low and middle income countries. Today, the FAILSAFE project announces a new collaboration with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), one of the most prestigious institutions in Health Science and Technology in Latin America. Based in Brazil, Fiocruz has long been a leader in advancing global health research, making this collaboration an invaluable step forward in tackling the growing threat of fungal antimicrobial resistance (fAMR).

Fungal infections are rising globally, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year attributed to fungal infections, and with increasing resistance to antifungal treatments, this under-studied challenge poses a critical threat to public health.

As part of the 2025 FAILSAFE funding call, applicants now have the unique opportunity to collaborate with a Fiocruz researcher on their project. For each selected project co-led by a Fiocruz principal investigator and an international collaborator, Fiocruz, through its Innovation Funding Program (Inova, https://portal.fiocruz.br/programa-inova-fiocruz), will provide additional financial support of up to £40,000, on top of the FAILSAFE seedcorn funding of up to £75,000. This collaboration not only boosts the funding available to project teams but also brings the expertise of one of the world’s leading institutions in medical mycology and infectious diseases to the table.

Dr Lourdes de Oliveira, vice president of Research and Biological Collections of Fiocruz said: “Fungal diseases pose a significant threat to human health, and there is no simple solution to combat such a complex public health challenge. The positive impact of international collaboration on scientific progress is well-established, and it is in this spirit that Fiocruz joins FAILSAFE and the University of Exeter’s Centre for Medical Mycology to address fungal infections. By combining our strengths, we aim to enhance our ability to develop innovative tools to control these devastating diseases.”

The partnership with Fiocruz is a pivotal step in advancing research into fungal AMR, bringing together diverse expertise from the UK and Brazil. This collaboration aligns with FAILSAFE’s mission to reduce the fungal disease burden in LMICs and accelerate research, development, and innovation in this critical area. By pooling resources and

knowledge, FAILSAFE and Fiocruz aim to bring greater global attention to fungal AMR and push forward solutions that could significantly reduce its impact.

“We’re excited to join forces with Fiocruz,” says Professor Elaine Bignell, Co-Director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter and Co-Lead of the FAILSAFE project. “Their world class expertise in medical mycology, coupled with our commitment to addressing global health challenges, will strengthen our collective efforts to combat fungal AMR. This collaboration represents a powerful opportunity to scale up research and make a real difference in global health.” Fiocruz members can now be found in the global FAILSAFE Medical Mycology Network members directory. Those interested in exploring collaboration opportunities or seeking project-related inquiries are encouraged to contact Marcio Rodrigues at marcio.rodrigues@fiocruz.br.

Together, FAILSAFE and Fiocruz are committed to advancing research, increasing awareness, and fostering global collaboration to address the urgent threat of fungal AMR.

Get in touch with the FAILSAFE team by emailing FAILSAFE@exeter.ac.uk.