On the 23rd of April 2026, the fourth meeting of ME Research UK’s ‘Researcher Circle’ took place online.
The Circle meets every other month, and alternates between more structured sessions with a speaker followed by time for questions and discussion, and informal ‘catch-ups’ which aim to provide a friendly forum to network and share relevant knowedge, to discuss progress and challenges faced, and to practice presentations.
The previous session, which took place in February, was a structured session in which Dr Emma Slack – Science Writer and Research Engagement Officer at ME Research UK – spoke to members about ways to work well and stay motivated during your PhD.
Therefore, the April meeting was an informal ‘catch-up’ in which the students discussed their work, progress and achievements, and any challenges they had faced.
Amongst the topics covered in the session were:
- Progress made, especially with recruitment, and in the lab.
- Day-to-day challenges faced, especially with lab work.
- Predatory journals – what they are, whether the students were familiar with them, and what they could mean for ME/CFS research.
- Career progression options, including requesting tips for writing a fellowship application.
ME Research UK looks forward to welcoming the students to the next session in which Dr Alkisti Manousaki, who was awarded a Daphne Jackson Fellowship at the University of Leicester, for a project – jointly funded by ME Research UK and the Medical Research Council – investigating the genetic and cellular clues that may explain why ME/CFS affects more women than men, will talk about applying for a fellowship in ME/CFS research.
The Circle is aimed (initially) at PhD-level students working on projects funded by ME Research UK charity, and will:
- Create an online space for students to network and learn about each other’s work.
- Provide an opportunity for skill development through talks given by members of ME Research UK staff, from established researchers in the field, and from other relevant experts.
- Provide a friendly forum to discuss challenges faced, to practice presentations, and to lay the foundations for future careers.
- Fulfil ME Research UK’s aim to create an environment to encourage, support, and to facilitate the entrance and retention of early-career researchers in the field of ME/CFS research.
