#IIMEC18 Conference Videos Published
All presentations from 2026 conference
EMERG DISCOVER-ME
EU Horizon Award
21 institutions.
Europe's largest ME research programme.
20 Years Investing
in ME Research
Support our Anniversary Funding Appeal

Invest in ME Research

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

What is ME? Research Conferences
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

EMERG wins EU Horizon funding for pan European research into ME

IiMER announces DISCOVER-ME, a four-year EU Horizon Europe research award bringing together 21 institutions across Europe in the largest coordinated biomedical research effort into ME yet undertaken on the continent.

A consortium led by the European ME Research Group (EMERG) has been awarded EU Horizon funding for a major pan-European biomedical research project.

It represents the culmination of twenty years of work by IiMER to build the European research networks, scientific partnerships and collaborative infrastructure that made an award of this scale possible.

"...the first major pan-European biomedical research programme dedicated to ME."

Presentation at a BRMEC colloquium

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WHO-E Opening Address at 18th International ME Conference 2026

The opening address by Dr Hans Kluge at the 18th International ME Conference 2026 was a clear call to action. He praised the work of Invest in ME Research and the European ME Alliance for their sustained commitment to biomedical research and international collaboration in ME.
These efforts have created a foundation for real progress, uniting researchers, clinicians, and advocates across Europe and beyond. The conference reinforced that hope must be matched by concrete action, and that continued support for research is essential to understanding and treating this complex disease.

Opening address of the 18th International ME Conference 2026

“Let us make sure that hope is matched by action”

Read the press release

Our Conference Week Sponsors

Proud to partner with organisations supporting our research objectives

Irish ME Trust Quadram Institute Bioscience Terra Biological LLC PrecisionLife vazyme

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20th Anniversary Appeal

Fund Our Fellows

Twenty years of biomedical ME research and IiMER is still a 100% volunteer-run registered charity with no salaried staff. Please support and help publicise our 20th Anniversary Appeal to keep our researchers in the laboratory.

Every pound donated goes directly to funding and facilitating biomedical research into ME, driving the science forward for people with ME.

Donate on JustGiving Invest in ME Research

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.

Invest in ME Research-Sponsored Young EMERG Workshop Delegate

hanna ye

Participating in the Young EMERG Workshop in Vienna was an absolutely exceptional and deeply inspiring experience for me. From the very beginning, I felt that the workshops were prepared with great attention to every detail, both in terms of academic content and organization. Everything was executed at the highest level, which allowed me to fully focus on learning, exchanging experiences, and personal development.

The atmosphere throughout the workshop was incredibly supportive, open, and motivating. I truly felt part of an engaged, ambitious, and kind community of young people who share a passion for learning and continuous self-improvement. The energy was very uplifting and gave me a great deal of motivation to move forward and keep developing.

The lecturers made a particularly strong impression on me. Their expertise, experience, openness, and genuine commitment to working with participants were truly inspiring. The way they delivered the content was engaging, accessible, and thought-provoking. I often found myself reflecting deeply on the topics discussed, as they challenged my perspective and encouraged me to ask important questions about my future development, both professionally and personally.

The Young EMERG Workshop Vienna was much more than just a series of workshops for me. It was a true impulse for growth, reflection, and further action. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event, and I can confidently say that it was one of the most valuable educational experiences I have ever had.

Hanna Tabisz
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz
Poland

Read more Young EMERG grant stories

Read More about our BRMEC Colloquia

Our Next International ME Conference Week

Latest / Upcoming Events

Organised by Invest in ME Research

31 May – 4 June 2027: International ME Conference Week

The twenty-first year of the International ME Conference week — comprising the Young EMERG early career researcher symposium, the annual European ME Research Group meeting, the sixteenth Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium (#BRMEC16) and the nineteenth International ME Conference (#IIMEC19). Events regularly bringing together researchers, clinicians and patient groups from over twenty countries.

More details →

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