# ME/CFS Priority Area

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Consortium:** Optional — MRC encourages (but does not require) partnerships with other funders or industrial/charitable partners; multidisciplinary teams and international co-leads are supported
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/researching-me-cfs-priority-area/
**Last verified:** 29 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Priority funding notice (active since 2003) encouraging high-quality applications to any MRC grant or fellowship scheme addressing ME/CFS research priorities identified by the 2022 James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. Applications attaining the same median ranking score receive prioritisation for funding. Applicants should contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org before applying.

## Summary

The MRC ME/CFS Priority Area is a standing priority notice encouraging applications addressing myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) research needs identified by the 2022 James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. Researchers can apply through any active MRC grant or fellowship scheme; applications that score at the same median level receive preferential funding. Multidisciplinary and international teams are supported, and applicants should contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org before submitting.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at eligible UK institutions
- Applicants aligning their work with the 2022 James Lind Alliance ME/CFS research priorities
- Multidisciplinary teams and those planning international collaboration
- Any career stage eligible through MRC grant and fellowship schemes

## Key dates

- Rolling priority notice; apply through any active MRC grant or fellowship scheme
- Contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org before submitting your application

## Tips for applicants

- Align your research explicitly with the 2022 James Lind Alliance ME/CFS priorities before drafting; the priority notice is selective on scope, not all ME/CFS research qualifies.
- Contacting the ME/CFS team early increases the chance your proposed work fits the priority framing and merits prioritisation at score parity.
- MRC encourages co-funding partnerships and international leads; highlighting cross-funder or cross-sector collaboration may strengthen implementation scores.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the MRC ME/CFS Priority Area?

It is a standing funding priority encouraging applications to any active MRC grant or fellowship scheme that address ME/CFS research needs identified by the 2022 James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership.

### How do I apply for MRC ME/CFS Priority Area funding?

Apply through any active MRC grant or fellowship scheme; applications addressing the priority area receive preferential funding at score parity. Contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org before submitting.

### Who can apply for MRC ME/CFS Priority Area funding?

Researchers based at eligible UK institutions across any career stage and discipline, provided their proposal aligns with the 2022 James Lind Alliance ME/CFS research priorities.

### Can international researchers apply for MRC ME/CFS funding?

International co-leads are supported, though the applicant must be based at a UK institution. MRC encourages multidisciplinary and international partnerships.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/mrc-ukri-me-cfs-priority-area-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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