Ramsay Biomedical Research
We believe that research holds the key to transforming the lives of people with ME/CFS and Long Covid. The Ramsay Research Fund invests in pioneering studies that aim to uncover biological mechanisms, identify diagnostic biomarkers and causal pathways, and develop evidence-based treatments that can improve care and patient outcomes.
We also champion projects that build research capacity — strengthening infrastructure, fostering collaboration, and accelerating progress across the field. The charity's funding priorities are guided by the James Lind Alliance’s top 10+ ME/CFS research questions, ensuring that every project we support is rooted in what matters most to the patient community, clinicians, and scientists.
Each investment reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing science with compassion, integrity, and impact.
Current Research
Read more about our current research projects — ranging from clinical trials and diagnostic innovation to healthcare protocols and the ongoing development of the UK ME/CFS Biobank. Each project includes project summaries, funding details, lead researchers, and the latest updates, allowing supporters, researchers, and clinicians to track progress and explore the impact of our investments.
Published Research
The ME Association has consistently invested in research for over 40 years. Below is a comprehensive, regularly updated catalogue of funded biomedical and healthcare studies that aim to improve the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with ME/CFS and Long Covid. All listed studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals, ensuring their scientific validity and contributing to advances in clinical practice and research impact.
Infrastructure Projects
Cure ME – UK ME/CFS Biobank
The ME Association’s Ramsay Research Fund has been supporting the UK ME/CFS Biobank (UKMEB) since it was established in 2011. RRF is proud to fund the running costs for UKMEB each year, which exceeds £80,000 per annum. The UKMEB has provided samples and data to many ME/CFS research groups worldwide.
Postmortem Research
In 2023, the ME Association partnered with the Manchester Brain Bank to support post-mortem research into ME/CFS. Through the Ramsay Research Fund, detailed examinations of brain and nervous system tissue—including the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion—will be carried out on at least five individuals aged 18–50 with a confirmed diagnosis. The age limit helps ensure findings are specific to ME/CFS rather than age-related changes. Those wishing to donate must meet the same diagnostic and age criteria.
Research Reviews
The ME Association also publishes free research reviews summarising biomedical studies on ME/CFS and Long Covid. These accessible write-ups highlight major findings, clinical relevance, and emerging trends, often featuring updates from the MEA Ramsay Research Fund and insights from researchers we've interviewed or collaborated with.
Written by Dr Katrina Pears and Charlotte Stephens, these popular lay summaries spotlight research of particular significance and are designed to inform both patients and professionals.
Literature Review: T cell exhaustion as a possible driver of post infection fatigue syndromes
Trends in Neurosciences: Cognitive dysfunction/brain fog in various medical conditions – including ME/CFS and Long Covid
MDPI: Dietary Supplementation for Fatigue Symptoms in ME/CFS – A Systematic Review
Research: Randomised Controlled Trial of Oxaloacetate for Improving Fatigue in ME/CFS
Research: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is clear to see in the blood
MEA and MERUK Research: Explaining Electrophysiological Properties of Cells in Health and Disease
