Programme Details
Details about research areas and types, eligibility criteria, and the review criteria.
Research Areas
We support research in three key areas to advance the understanding and treatment of ME/CFS.
Disease Mechanisms
Research investigating the underlying mechanisms of key ME/CFS symptoms, including:
- Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)
- Pain
- Muscle weakness
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Circulatory disturbances
- Sleep disturbances
- Dysautonomia
Biomarkers
Research developing reliable and mass marketable diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers for the stratification of ME/CFS patient groups:
Investigation Areas
- Autoimmunity
- Immune dysregulation
- Metabolic dysfunction
- Inflammation
- Vascular dysfunction
- Nervous system dysfunction
Stratification Variables
- Sex/Gender
- Age
- Disease duration
- Severity
Treatment
Research testing innovative disease mechanism-oriented drugs and treatment approaches, including (but not limited to):
- CD19+ B-cell depletion
- CD20+ B-cell depletion
- CD38+ plasmablast/cell depletion
- Selective B/T-cell depletion
- B-cell receptor signaling and granulocyte inhibition
- Plasma cell maturation inhibition
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Other promising drug candidates
Research Types
We support various types of research, from basic/translational science to clinical research.
Basic Research
Applied basic research centred on:
- Animal models
- Biochemistry
- Cell studies
- Genetics
Translational Research
Translation of findings from basic research into treatment approaches. Bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application.
Clinical Research
Interventional and observational studies of the following types:
- Phase I/II RCTs
- Therapy studies
- Case reports/series
- Prognostic/diagnostic studies
Secondary Research
Open access fees for publications covering the following:
- Basic/translational research
- Clinical research
- Epidemiological research
- Reviews
Eligibility Criteria
Requirements for applicants and proposals to be considered for funding.
Applicant Requirements
- Employed at a non-profit, state-recognised university, research institution, or healthcare facility based in Germany
- Prior experience in ME/CFS research or strong track record of original publications in relevant biomedical areas
- Adherence to national and international quality assurance standards for biomedical research
- All documents have to be provided in English
Proposal Requirements
- Aligned with research areas and types defined under the programme
- High-quality methodology, reviewing current state of evidence from international ME/CFS research
- Consider demographics of ME/CFS patients (sex/gender, age)
- Includes Public-Patient-Involvement (PPI) approach, including concepts for PEM prevention (where applicable)
Expected Results
- Concrete findings to improve diagnosis and treatment, or future research
- Publication regardless of outcome within 18-24 months after end of project
- Data from publications must be made available for further use by third parties (open access)
Review Criteria
Each project proposal is evaluated by a jury of international experts in addition to the Foundation's science team. Submissions for covering open access fees will be reviewed separately by the science team.
For each of the seven criteria listed below, each reviewer provides a rating on a scale from 4 to 1, where 4 = very good; 3 = good; 2 = fair; and 1 = poor. For proposals to be considered for funding, the average rating of all reviews for any of the seven criteria cannot be lower than 2.
1 Scientific Quality and Relevance
- Clearly defined and verifiable hypotheses
- Identification of (measurable) variables
- Logically derived objectives and/or work packages
- Contribution to closing existing knowledge gaps
- Scientifically sound background (state-of-the-art)
2 Methodology and Study Design
- Suitable, robust, state-of-the-art study design (adequate sample size planning, statistical power etc.)
- Clear definition of inclusion/exclusion criteria for study population and subgroups (stratification by sex/gender, age, disease duration, trigger/onset, severity etc.)
- Clearly defined endpoints (primary and secondary)
- Adherence to consensus-based diagnostic criteria (Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC) or Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2015), and/or validated questionnaires and measurement instruments
- Management of potential bias (e.g. selection, researcher, or response bias)
3 Innovation and Potential for Impact
- Perspectives for translation and practical application
- Potential for development of new pathophysiological models, diagnostic markers, or therapeutics
- Novelty of research approach or methodology
4 Feasibility and Resources
- Realistic timeline and clear work packages
- Transparent budget planning
- Availability of necessary infrastructure, expertise, and technology
5 Qualifications of the Research Team
- Professional expertise in ME/CFS and/or relevant fields (e.g. immunology, neurology, cardiology)
- Publication history in ME/CFS and/or relevant fields
- Interdisciplinarity and networking
6 Patient Orientation
- Involvement of patient representatives in project planning, implementation, and evaluation
- Patient-led/oriented research approach (e.g. joint formulation of research questions)
- Reasonable and ethically justifiable burden for study participants, special attention to PEM prevention (where applicable, e.g. in clinical studies)
7 Publication and Open Science
- Opportunities for follow-up funding
- Plans for publication in peer-reviewed and open-access journals
- Adherence to FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
- Use of national or international biobanks or data repositories
Ready to Submit Your Proposal?
Join us in advancing ME/CFS research. Review the programme details and submission guideline and submit your proposal today.