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Ramsay Healthcare Research

Beyond biomedical research, we recognise the need to strengthen existing healthcare systems and clinical practice. That’s why we also invest in healthcare-focused projects and support students who are engaged in ME/CFS and Long Covid research.

Ramsay Healthcare Research aims to:

  • Improve clinical practice, care provision, and patient-centred outcomes
  • Enhance policy and guidelines through evidence-based research
  • Support education and training for healthcare professionals
  • Produce high-quality systematic reviews to inform national discussions
  • ensure the latest discoveries reach the frontlines of patient care and policy development.

Ramsay Healthcare Research

Current healthcare research projects are listed below.

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.

Grant Amount: £11,178.20
DePaul University, USA
Research Field: Infrastructure
Professor Leonard Jason
Start Date: 15/09/2023
Duration: 12 months
Status: In progress
Latest Update: Research: New Study to Harmonise Research Definitions in ME/CFS
Background
  • ME/CFS research suffers from inconsistent diagnostic criteria.
  • This project aims to develop a standardised, patient-informed framework to improve research quality and comparability.
Key activities
  • Surveying patients, clinicians, and researchers
  • Conducting a scoping review of symptom severity measures
  • Hosting a panel discussion at IACFS/ME 2025 to explore controversies and build consensus
Planned outputs
  • A consensus framework
  • A published report
  • Practical guidance for researchers
Read More
Grant Amount: £29,880
Newcastle University
Research Field: Healthcare
Dr Mark Pearce and Dr Emma Slack
Start Date: 07/01/2023
Duration: 24 months
Status: In progress
Latest Update: The ME Association Pregnancy Study – Would you like to take part?
Background
  • ME/CFS significantly affects health, yet little research has examined its impact on pregnancy outcomes for both birthing parent and child.
  • Lack of evidence creates uncertainty around family planning, pregnancy care and postpartum care.
Recent Research
  • A mixed-methods systematic review was previously conducted by the research group on ME/CFS and pregnancy, funded by Newcastle Healthcare Charity.
  • This review identified key knowledge gaps and the need for high-quality research is needed to inform evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Pilot Study Goals

This research aims to:

  • Establishing key research priorities from the perspectives of individuals with ME/CFS and their healthcare providers regarding pregnancy.
  • Exploring experiences, attitudes, and perceptions related to pregnancy and ME/CFS.
  • Investigating decision-making around pregnancy among patients and professionals, including doctors, midwives, and health visitors.
  • Identifying existing clinical data collection practices related to ME/CFS and pregnancy to shape future research.
Read More
Ramsay Healthcare Fund images in hexagons of different health services

Student Research – PhD Funded Projects

We recognise the importance of supporting student researchers and fostering the next generation of ME/CFS and Long Covid scientists.

Student projects spark innovation, expand academic collaborations, and promote fresh approaches to advancing diagnosis, treatment, and care.

By supporting students, we help embed lived experience into study design, strengthen future capacity in underfunded areas, and ensure the latest science continues to serve patients and clinicians alike.

We welcome students to get in touch whether undergraduate or postgraduate who seek funding support or who need help disseminating their surveys or projects: research@meassociation.org.uk

Grant Amount: £11,350
University of Liverpool
Research Field: Treatment
Karen Lesile, under the supervision of Dr Andrew King and Dr Nicola Baker
Start Date: 01/07/2024
Duration: 6 years
Status: In progress
Latest Update: Physios for ME: Now Recruiting – Vagus Nerve Stimulation Study
Background:
  • Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive method used to stimulate the vagus nerve via the ear, showing promise for conditions like epilepsy, depression, and migraines, and potential benefits in memory, inflammation, and pain.
  • Interest in taVNS is growing, however, to date only one former study has been conducted (Natelson et al., 2023)
Study Aims:

This study will help prepare for more rigorous research into taVNS as a potential treatment for ME/CFS through:

  • Assessing the feasibility of a full-scale trial (recruitment, adherence, etc.),
  • Determining appropriate sample size and outcome measures,
  • Understanding patient experiences with taVNS,
  • Evaluating the treatment’s safety.
Read More
Image of scientific researchers in a laboratory testing samples with a microscope

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