MRC (UKRI)
ME/CFS Priority Area
Rolling priority notice; apply through the most relevant MRC grant or fellowship opportunity
Last verified:
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.
Details
| 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 |
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.
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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