Research Funding Programme 2026
The ME/CFS Research Foundation invites researchers and clinicians to submit proposals for our funding programme, dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of ME/CFS.
Purpose and Aim
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe, chronic multi-system disease caused by insufficiently understood disease mechanisms. Patients suffer from symptoms including:
- Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)
- Pain
- Muscle weakness
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Circulatory disturbances
- Sleep disturbances
- Dysautonomia
The ME/CFS Research Foundation Research's Funding Programme 2026 aims to enable and support basic, translational, and clinical research to investigate insufficiently understood disease mechanisms, identify potential biomarkers, and develop disease mechanism-oriented treatment options. Our goal is to significantly improve diagnosis and disease-modifying treatment of ME/CFS.
Funding Categories
Clinical Research
Interventional and observational clinical research
The initial goal is to fund 1-2 clinical research projects in total. The final number of funded projects may vary, depending on the proposals received.
Basic/Translational Research
Applied basic and translational research
The initial goal is to fund 2-4 basic/translational research projects in total. The final number of funded projects may vary, depending on the proposals received.
Open Access Fees
Support for publication of research articles
Funding is available to cover open access fees that cannot be paid for from other sources for a small number of publications.
Research Areas
We support research across three key areas to advance the understanding and treatment of ME/CFS.
Disease Mechanisms
Investigating the underlying mechanisms of key ME/CFS symptoms including PEM, pain, and cognitive dysfunction.
Biomarkers
Developing reliable diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers for patient stratification.
Treatment
Testing innovative disease mechanism-oriented drugs and treatment approaches.
Who Can Apply?
Applicant Requirements
Employed at a non-profit, state-recognised university, research institution, or healthcare facility based in Germany
Prior experience in ME/CFS research or strong track record of original publications in relevant biomedical areas
Adherence to national and international quality assurance standards for biomedical research
Proposal Requirements
High-quality methodology
Aligned with current state of evidence from international ME/CFS research
Expected results provide concrete insights for improving diagnosis and treatment, or future research.
Timeline
Submission of proposals through our website
All proposals must be submitted by Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 23:59 CEST (UTC+2)
Applicants will be notified via email
Funded projects are required to start their research activities
Ready to Submit Your Proposal?
Join us in advancing ME/CFS research. Review the programme details and submission guideline and submit your proposal today.