A jam-packed research-centred July
ME Research UK launches annual ME Research Day
This year, ME Research UK marks 25 years since its foundation. To recognise this, the charity launched ME Research Day. The day – the 13th of July 2025 – was chosen as it marked the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of a ‘mystery illness’ at the Royal Free Hospital in London in 1955. This illness was later known as ME.
Research Appreciation Day & Researcher Circle
ME Research Day followed on from Research Appreciation Day, 5th July 2025, during which we highlighted the great strides made by researchers involved in ME Research UK-funded studies.
Furthermore, we have launched the ‘Researcher Circle’, aimed (initially) at PhD-level students working on projects funded by the charity, to help lay the foundations for future careers. The Researcher Circle is essentially an online space and friendly forum for learning, networking, and skill development through talks given by ME Research UK staff, established researchers and other relevant experts.
New project announcement: Dr Sarah Annesley explores the role of microRNAs in ME/CFS
Last week we announced a new project from Dr Sarah Annesley looking at profiles of microRNAs (molecules that switch on and off genes) and their impact on platelet function and energy production in women with ME/CFS. This work was funded, thanks to the generosity of supporters, with proceeds of last year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. Dr Annesley explains a bit more about what the study involves in a video exclusively for ME Research UK.
Delivery Plan for ME/CFS published
The much-delayed ME/CFS Delivery Plan – finally published on 22nd July – announces just enough to be of interest but rather reads as a place setter for future decisions. It is to be seen if it incentivises central funders to engage fully, and to curate, endorse and fund the proposed research initiative backed by ME charities – including ME Research UK – which accords with the funders’ needs as to collaboration, patient involvement, multi-disciplinary approach, and to not be solely ME/CFS centred.
Read ME Research UK’s full commentary on the research details of the plan
It is also with sadness that ME Research UK learned of the death of prominent academic and former Chief Medical Officer Prof Sir Kenneth Calman. Sir Kenneth instigated the 2002 CFS/ME Working Group Report, which covered much of the same ground as the 2025 Delivery Plan.
Articles
70th Anniversary of the Royal Free outbreak & Dr Melvin Ramsay’s foresight about ME
For ME Research Day, ME Research UK discussed why the outbreak at the Royal Free was important and its significance today.
In 1986, Dr Melvin Ramsay, a British physician renowned for his advocacy on ME, published a book documenting cases of ME following various confirmed or suspected infectious outbreaks, including the notable 1955 Royal Free Hospital outbreak, during which he served as a consultant. We have curated a themed selection of quotes that resonates decades later.
Lived experience of ME
Following the publication of the ME/CFS Delivery Plan, The Independent shared a powerful account from Tracy Meggitt – a former biomedical research associate who was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2018. When asked what she wishes more people understood about ME/CFS, Tracy was clear: ME is not depression. We have also explored the related topic of medical gaslighting.
PoTS and blood pressure
In response to a commenter, we published an article clarifying the relationship between blood pressure and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) – a common ME/CFS comorbidity.
Other topics explored in July include Prof. Oltra and her team’s work on HERV activation, brain differences related to ME/CFS onset types, health-related quality of life, and recommendations for health professionals from those with lived experience.
Big Give Christmas Challenge – Pledge Today
With a month to go before the Big Give pledge phase ends (5pm Friday 29th August 2025), ME Research UK is excited to announce that thanks to the generosity of supporters we have increased our Pledge goal to £19,000!
All funds raised in the December 2025 Big Give are invested in research. Pledge today.
Help us make the breakthrough
We know that, as a subscriber to our newsletter and someone who is interested in our work, you join us in the belief that only robust scientific research is the key to understanding ME/CFS. Donations from our valued supporters are vital if we are to continue our work to inform, influence and invest in ME/CFS research globally.
