Invest in ME Research

Independent UK charity
funding and facilitating biomedical research
into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

What is ME? Research
Invest in ME Research - 20th Anniversary Image

Invest in ME Research (IiMER) is an independent UK charity funding and facilitating high-quality biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

The charity is 100% volunteer-run - with no salaries - ensuring that every donation goes fully and directly to the areas that matter:

  • A strategic programme of biomedical ME research
  • A UK/European Centre of Excellence
  • International ME conference weeks
  • European research collaboration
  • Celebrating 20 years in 2026 (Charity no. 1153730)
Invest in ME Research logo

Energising ME Research

20-years of IiMER

Our Next Research Colloquium – #BRMEC15 (27–29 May)

BRMEC15: Bridging Disciplines in ME Research

A unique opportunity for researchers from immunology, genetics, neurobiology and beyond collaborate on ME research.

Whether you are new to the field or already working in ME, your expertise can help make real progress in understanding and treating this complex disease.

“Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

IiMER International ME Conference Week brochure cover

Our International ME Conference Week brochure

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Current News

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Research, Education and Advocacy – Made Possible by Our Supporters

Energising Research into ME

The long standing issues with regard to myalgic encephalomyelitis that still exist across Europe and continue to affect people with ME and their families - lack of consistent and accurate diagnosis, lack of standardised up-to-date education about the disease, the lack of high quality biomedical research into ME andclinical trials, caused by lack of any adequate Funding for research. These all help feed misinformation about the disease and subsequent stigmas that permeates societies.

As principled advocates, we stand firm for patient rights without compromise by funding rigorous biomedical research and facilitating targeted science and education for professionals and policymakers.
We therefore concentrate on three main areas -

Research - Education - Advocacy Strategy

IiMER

RESEARCH

Biomedical ME research funding
UK Centre of Excellence hub
PhDs, Fellowships, Med. Students
European research network

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IiMER

EDUCATION

20 years of ME conferences
Online research videos
Clinical guidelines
InfoCentre of articles

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IiMER

ADVOCACY

Patient rights & representation
Parliament briefings & debates
European ME Alliance member
Principled advocacy

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Why Our Efforts Matter

Millions live with ME/CFS without effective treatment or understanding.

Invest in ME Research is not an organisation that is content just to exist for the sake of existing.

IiMER badge Our efforts are designed to transform the future for people with ME and their families through rapid progress from collaborative biomedical research and improved education about the disease.

Patients/Carers

Resources and information that may be of use to patients and carers

Researchers

Resources and information that may be of use to researchers/clinicians

Policymakers/Media/Public

History and information that may be of use to Policymakers, Media, Public

ME - What it IS…

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME, sometimes referred to as ME/CFS) is an acquired and disabling, " serious, chronic, complex, and systemic disease associated with neurological, immunological, autonomic, and energy metabolism dysfunction ". It is classified as a neurological disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) under ICD-11 Code: 8.E49 (previously ICD-10 G93.3).

  • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a disabling, long-term condition
  • Estimated to be 2* as common as MS and 3* times more prevalent than HIV/AIDS,
  • Clear clinical symptoms which manifest predominantly based on neurological, immunological and endocrinological dysfunction
  • Multi-factorial pathogenesis with the hypothesis of initiation by a viral infection prominent.
  • Most frequently follows an acute prodromal infection, varying from upper respiratory infections, bronchitis or sinusitis, or gastroenteritis, or an acute “flu-like” illness.
  • Before acquiring ME most patients were healthy, leading full and active lifestyles.
  • Reaction to physical and mental activity and sensory input is unique to ME.
  • Over-exertion can make ME worse and the effects are often delayed and may not be seen within 24 hours.
  • Symptoms can range from mild to very severe and can include:
    • Cardiac and Cardiovascular Problems
    • Cognitive Dysfunction
    • Gastro-intestinal Problems
    • Headaches
    • Hormonal Imbalance
    • Immunological Problems
    • Muscle Weakness and Intense Pain
    • Neurological Problems
    • Sleep Problems

What is ME? Guidelines IiMER Leaflet

Advocacy for ME

UK parliament

The following documents are some of the statements from the charity on major topics.

Debate November 2025

UK parliament ME discussion input
DHSC Delivery Plan

Charity input to research working group
Parliamentary Debate 2019

Last full UK parliament debate submission
NICE Commentary

NICE 2021 guidelines submissions

Campaigning

More than a Decade Promoting the UK/European Centre of Excellence for ME

"The groundwork is complete, and the infrastructure is already in place. All that remains is the vital task of securing adequate and sustained funding to fully realise the Centre's potential and propel ME research across the UK and Europe...

...the Norwich Centre can become a model for ME research, leading the way in developing effective treatments and improving the lives of those affected by this debilitating condition"

"A Decade Developing the UK/European Centre of Excellence for ME"

20 years Investing in ME Research

Research Collaboration

Collaboration has been central to Invest in ME Research’s efforts since our second international ME conference in London in 2007.

We are a founding member of the European ME Alliance, working with advocates, researchers, research organisations and physicians to accelerate biomedical research into ME and improve care. We initiated and facilitated the European ME Research Group (EMERG) – a collaborative network of researchers and institutes across Europe – and the European ME Clinicians Council (EMECC) to strengthen scientific and clinical collaboration. Invest in ME Research also initiated and supports Young EMERG, the EMERG early-career researcher network.

Together with our annual research colloquiums, these initiatives help build future research capacity and provide a strong foundation for integrated, collaborative and co‑ordinated European ME research.

alne ye

“The Young EMERG workshop in Vienna was exceptionally well organised, with engaging and relevant content throughout. It was inspiring to see young researchers exploring diverse approaches to ME/CFS. The programme was enriched by activities and the chance to connect with fellow researchers. My expectations were high, yet the workshop exceeded them.
I am deeply grateful to the UK charity Invest in ME Research for supporting my participation.”

Aline Zamoro Martinez
MSc Nutrition and Health
Wageningen University & Research

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Our Next International ME Conference Week

The 2026 international conference week occurs from 25-29 May 2026.

Latest/Upcoming Events

Organised by Invest in ME Research

Young EMERG - International Early Career Researcher Conference/Workshop Vienna 27-28 November 2025

The sixth workshop for young / early career researchers - in association with the European ME Research Group Early Career Researcher network Young EMERG and Medical University of Vienna. This will take place on 27-28 November 2025 in Vienna, Austria.
More details here.

Young EMERG - International Early Career Researcher Conference/Workshop UK 25-26 May 2026

The seventh workshop organised by the charity for young / early career researchers - in association with the European ME Research Group Early Career Researcher network Young EMERG. This will take place on 25-26 May 2026

European ME Research Group AGM / Status meeting 26 May 2026

#EMERG26 - A full in person meeting for the European ME Research Group (EMERG) will take place at Hinxton Hall on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge, UK on 26 May 2026

#BRMEC15 15th International Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium 27-28 May 2026

#BRMEC15 - our fourteenth international Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium - will take place over two/three days on 27 -28 May 2026.

#IIMEC18 18th International ME Conference 29 May 2026

#IIMEC18 - our eighteenth international Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium - will take place on 29 May 2026.

Conference News

Get Involved

Every breakthrough in ME research starts with people - like us, like you. Whether through a donation, organising a local fundraiser, or joining our research collaborations, your support directly funds biomedical studies that will change lives. No expensive salaries, no waste, direct to making progress.

Your gift funds PhD students, research fellows, medical students, European collaborations, and our work promoting a Centre of Excellence.

Support Research Get in Touch

Direct Ways to Donate to Invest in ME Research

There are several options to support the charity via direct methods such as bank transfer and direct donations.
Click the donate button to go to the funding page for more details.

Use Our Website

Research

Our research strategy and the research funded by the charity

Information

Information and articles about ME

Conferences

Our annual international Colloquiums/Conferences

Fundraising

Details of our fundraising activities and how to help us

About Us

More information about the charity

Advocacy

Principled advocacy for the benefir of people with ME and their families

News

Current and archived news

Centre of Excellence for ME

Our proposal for a UK Centre of Excellence for ME

Education

Useful educational aids for ME awareness

European Collaboration

Founder member of the European ME Alliance (EMEA) – working together across Europe

A Centre of Excellence for ME

Building a solid foundation for future biomedical research into ME

"....with the other expertise and facilities located at the Norwich Research Park, puts it in a very good position to lead a UK and European Centre of Excellence for biomedical research for M.E. to provide possible prevention and solutions."

- Professor Ian Charles - former Head of Quadram Institute, UK

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Last updated: December 2025