ME Research UK 25 years of informing, influencing and investing in ME
2025 marks a milestone in the history of ME Research UK, as this year the charity marks 25 years since its foundation.
As an organisation, our dearest wish is that sustained major funding into ME/CFS becomes available, leading to a cure or effective treatment. We are not celebrating 25 years of work but marking the commitment of researchers and supporters and what they have achieved. This year, through themed initiatives, the charity will raise the profile of the disease and highlight research efforts.
ME Research UK-funded study – alterations in the brain in ME/CFS and long COVID
Dr Kiran Thapaliya from Griffith University has published results from his ME Research UK-funded imaging study in individuals with ME/CFS and those with long COVID, showing alterations in the hippocampus, a brain structure involved in memory and learning.
Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch, Associate Prof. Leighton Barnden, Dr Kiran Thapaliya & Prof. Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
Research articles
- A research team form the Netherlands has found that the majority (91%) of participants with ME/CFS showed abnormalities in cerebral (brain) blood flow during tilt table testing, indicative of orthostatic intolerance – symptoms such as light-headedness and weakness when sitting- or standing up. The researchers propose that endothelial dysfunction (problems with blood vessel function) is the major factor at play.
- Researchers, from the same team, published research identifying two subgroups of individuals with ME/CFS and co-occurring postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). They found that measuring the extent of heart rate changes could help distinguish these subgroups, opening the possibility for more tailored treatment approaches.
- A study, from researchers at Cornell University, suggested that ME/CFS leaves “epigenetic scars” on immune cells, known as T cells, making them more prone to T cell exhaustion – a state where they are overworked and eventually stop functioning properly.
- Other topics explored in January include assessment of cognitive difficulties in ME/CFS, statistical shortcomings of the PACE trial, lived experiences of those with the disease, and its impact on quality of life.
Movement for Good 2025 – nominate ME Research UK
The Benefact Group has now restarted their annual nomination process with a clean slate. If you entered in 2024 – thank you – but be sure to nominate ME Research UK again this year for us to be in the running for 2025’s £1,000 draws. It is free and simple.
Walk for ME 2025
ME Research UK is grateful once more to be chosen as one of the featured charities for 2025’s Walk for ME scheme.
Now in its thirteenth consecutive year, the scheme has encouraged supporters to walk, run, swim and ride – in places as diverse as Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Israel, and the USA, as well as here in the UK. We have included details of how to get involved on our website.
Brighton Marathon
ME Research UK has 3 entries available in the sold-out 2025 Brighton Marathon Weekend on April 6th! Great opportunity for those who missed out on an individual entry place. Act fast – these spots must be filled by 4pm 13th March.
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.
