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:
Energising ME Research
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.
The International ME Conference Week events in 2026 have events spread over 5 days. Register now.
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Impressions from charity's grant awardees of the Young EMERG Vienna Workshop
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The charity has submitted some briefing notes ahead of another parliamentary debate on ME
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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 -
Biomedical ME research funding
UK Centre of Excellence hub
PhDs, Fellowships, Med. Students
European research network
20 years of ME conferences
Online research videos
Clinical guidelines
InfoCentre of articles
Patient rights & representation
Parliament briefings & debates
European ME Alliance member
Principled advocacy
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.
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.
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).
The following documents are some of the statements from the charity on major topics.
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.
“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.”
The 2026 international conference week occurs from 25-29 May 2026.
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.
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.
Our research strategy and the research funded by the charity
Information and articles about ME
Our annual international Colloquiums/Conferences
Details of our fundraising activities and how to help us
More information about the charity
Principled advocacy for the benefir of people with ME and their families
Current and archived news
Our proposal for a UK Centre of Excellence for ME
Useful educational aids for ME awareness
Founder member of the European ME Alliance (EMEA) – working together across Europe
