MRC Highlight Notice: Researching ME/CFS

Support for high-quality funding applications in ME/CFS research to any of the MRC’s grants from MRC research boards or MRC fellowships.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) operates the Researching ME/CFS highlight notice to enable applicants to research myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as ME/CFS.

Applicants can access funding either through:

• Grants from MRC research boards; or
• MRC fellowships

Proposals are particularly sought that lie within MRC remit and address one or more of the following research areas identified by the 2022 ME/CFS Priority Setting Partnership for ME/CFS research:

• Post-exertional malaise.
• Use of existing drugs for other conditions.
• Diagnosis.
• Autoimmunity.
• ME/CFS sub-types.
• Post-infective cause.
• Neurological symptomology.
• Genetics.
• Severe ME/CFS.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Oxygenation dysfunction.

Research proposals should consider how to:

• Increase capacity in ME/CFS research.
• Address the need for multidisciplinary teams to tackle the significant research challenges in this area.
• Involve persons living with ME/CFS in developing ME/CFS research proposals.

Research proposals may involve partnerships between ME/CFS researchers and established, leading investigators working in relevant areas, but who are new to the ME/CFS field.