Researching ME/CFS: priority area
Researching ME/CFS: priority area supports researchers through grants and fellowships to investigate ME/CFS, address patient-led priorities and meet unmet needs for better diagnosis and treatments.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: Rolling (Priority area has no closing date; selected scheme deadlines apply)
Funding Amounts: Usually up to 80% of full economic cost; MRC grants typically last 12–60 months, subject to scheme rules
Summary: Supports high-quality ME/CFS research through existing MRC grants and fellowships, with particular emphasis on patient-led research priorities.
Key Information: Apply through an existing MRC funding opportunity appropriate to your science and career stage, not directly to this priority notice.
Description
UK Research and Innovation’s Medical Research Council (MRC) supports research into myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) through its existing grant and fellowship schemes. In place since 2003, this priority area aims to build a strong research portfolio addressing unmet needs for better diagnosis and treatments. MRC particularly welcomes work within its remit addressing priorities identified by people with ME/CFS, carers and clinicians through the ME/CFS Priority Setting Partnership.
The programme also encourages research capacity building, multidisciplinary teams and partnerships with established investigators new to ME/CFS. Applications should consider meaningful involvement of people living with ME/CFS or their representatives throughout project development. Proposals undergo standard MRC assessment, with priority for funding over other applications achieving the same median ranking score.
Research priorities
- Biological mechanisms, treatment and management of post-exertional malaise.
- Repurposing existing drugs, including low-dose naltrexone and treatments for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
- Accurate and reliable diagnostic tests.
- Immune system dysfunction and possible autoimmunity.
- ME/CFS subtypes, causes, severity, treatment needs and recovery prospects.
- Post-infection ME/CFS and links with long COVID.
- Central and peripheral nervous system dysfunction and potential treatments.
- Genetic susceptibility, familial risk and potential treatments.
- Drivers of severe ME/CFS.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and potential treatments.
- Poor oxygen delivery or use, symptoms and treatment.
