MRC
Researching ME/CFS Priority Area
Rolling priority notice — apply through the most relevant MRC grant or fellowship opportunity for your science area and career stage
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The MRC Researching ME/CFS Priority Area provides preferential funding consideration to high-quality ME/CFS research applications across any MRC grant or fellowship scheme. The priority notice, active since 2003, encourages multidisciplinary teams with patient and public involvement; applications ranked on median score receive a funding boost within this focus area. UK-based researchers may apply through any relevant MRC opportunity; international co-leads are eligible if bringing essential expertise unavailable domestically.
Details
| Funder | MRC |
| Application | Single stage — submit through the relevant existing MRC funding opportunity; contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org for advice on which scheme to use |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Priority notice (active since 2003) encouraging high-quality ME/CFS research applications across any MRC grant or fellowship scheme. Multidisciplinary teams required; patient and public involvement strongly encouraged. Applications in this priority area receive preferential funding consideration when tied on median ranking score. UK research organisations; international co-leads eligible for costs if providing expertise unavailable in the UK.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at UK research organisations working on ME/CFS aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, or treatment
- •Multidisciplinary teams combining clinical, basic science, epidemiological, or psychosocial expertise
- •Applicants with genuine patient and public involvement in project design or delivery
- •Researchers at any career stage through the MRC scheme portfolio (from fellowships to senior grants)
- •Projects with international partners providing expertise unavailable in the UK
Key Dates
- •Rolling deadline, submit through the most relevant MRC grant or fellowship opportunity for your career stage and research area
- •Single-stage application: contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org to identify the right MRC scheme before submission
- •Priority notice active since 2003; applies to all eligible applications submitted to MRC funding opportunities
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org before choosing your MRC scheme, they can advise which opportunity best fits your career stage and science, saving you from misrouting.
- ✓Demonstrate genuine patient and public involvement in the proposal; the priority notice emphasises this, and panels score it closely.
- ✓Build a multidisciplinary team across clinical, molecular, epidemiological, or psychosocial domains, ME/CFS is complex and single-discipline bids score lower in this priority area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the MRC ME/CFS Priority Area?
You apply through the most relevant existing MRC grant or fellowship scheme for your career stage and research question. Contact mecfs@mrc.ukri.org to identify the right opportunity before submitting your application.
What funding does the MRC ME/CFS Priority Area offer?
No dedicated budget; this is a priority notice that gives preferential consideration to ME/CFS applications within any MRC funding scheme. Budget depends on the specific MRC grant or fellowship you apply for (ranging from fellowships under £200k to major grants over £1M).
Can international researchers apply to the MRC ME/CFS Priority Area?
UK-based researchers are eligible. International co-leads are permitted if they bring expertise unavailable in the UK and their involvement is cost-justified within the application.
Is patient and public involvement required for ME/CFS priority consideration?
Patient and public involvement is strongly encouraged and weighted in scoring, though the priority notice applies to all high-quality ME/CFS applications. Genuine involvement strengthens your competitive position.
How long has the MRC ME/CFS Priority Area been active?
The priority notice has been active since 2003, making it one of the longest-standing MRC research priorities.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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