Welcome to International ME Conference Week


Dear Friends and Supporters,

Welcome to our International ME Conference Week, another milestone in our ongoing efforts to advance research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

It is TWENTY years, this year, since the charity was formed - and for TWENTY YEARS, Invest in ME Research has focused on achieving progress in the treatment and understanding of ME. Our efforts have ranged from direct and pragmatic advocacy to raising educational standards of ME via the organisation of influential international conferences; from establishing research fellowships to initiating European collaboration; and funding the UK's only clinical trial for ME.
We have made a difference thanks to the unwavering support and efforts of our dedicated supporters.

Our international colloquiums and conferences provide a platform for education and collaboration, bringing together researchers, doctors, patients, medical students, and the media.

This unique week-long set of events has developed over the years as we have tried new approaches and initiatives. It now encapsulates a workshop for young/early career researchers, a research Colloquium, a public international conference, and meetings of the European ME Research group.

This year's conference theme, "Translating Research into Diagnostics and Treatments", underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and tangible outcomes for ME patients.

For our research colloquium we are focusing on systems biology in ME research, an approach that offers unprecedented insights into the complex nature of ME by integrating multiple levels of biological data. This holistic perspective has the potential to reveal new patterns and connections that may lead to breakthroughs in understanding, diagnosing, and treating ME. Our international collaborations, including initiatives like Young EMERG and our annual BRMEC Colloquiums, continue to attract fresh perspectives and nurture the next generation of ME researchers. The success in helping to lay the foundations for the Centre of Excellence for ME at Norwich Research Park is a testament to the dedication of our charity and supporters.

As we reflect on our journey over twenty years, we must acknowledge the continuing disappointment of missed opportunities that the charity's efforts could have realised – such as the previously concluded DHSC initiative for ME.
Despite our efforts [1] the desired progress has not yielded the desired outcomes.
Despite our predictions of what would transpire, expounded nearly three years ago [2], the status quo was allowed to continue with unambitious leadership turning the whole process into another delaying tactic - Strategic Indecision.

As a small charity we continue to swim against the tide of apathy and entrenched status quo. The fact that the charity has now been omitted from any continuing involvement in DHSC discussions just emphasises to us that the intent is not to change much at all.

However, these setbacks merely strengthen our resolve to continue our work, independently if need be.
As we have stated many times it is evident '...that we must create a foundation for sustainable research and we need to recognise that we are forced to start this ourselves in the absence of official support'.

We continue to strive to shape a better future for people affected by ME.
In May we embark on this week of shared learning and exchange, and invite all delegates to engage fully with the presentations, participate in discussions, and forge new connections.
Collective expertise and dedication are vital in our quest to improve the lives of those affected by ME.

We welcome support as we continue to advocate for and support biomedical research, working towards a future where ME is better understood, properly diagnosed, and treated as it deserves.
We encourage you to carry the momentum of this conference into your own work, whether through research, advocacy, or support within your communities.

Translating Research into Diagnostics and Treatments is the theme for IIMEC17 – illuminating the emerging technologies and harnessing the power of systems biology, AI, and precision medicine to unravel the complexities of this challenging illness. As we mark two decades of dedicated effort, we look forward to the next chapter in ME research, confident that together, we can transform the landscape of ME understanding and treatment.
As we open the conference registration, we invite you to support us in shaping the future of ME research.

Welcome to our conference week – this year spanning five days.

Thank you for being part of our event, and we wish you a productive and inspiring conference.

Kathleen McCall
Chairman Invest in ME Research

  1. 2022 - A Different Approach to UKCRC Strategy
  2. 2022 - Déjà vu?

Conference Week Information:

International ME Conferences and Colloquiums Since 2006

Our Past Conference Events

Here are details of all of the previous Invest in ME Research International ME Conferences and Colloquiums that the charity has arranged and hosted since 2006.
The conferences provide the latest research and clinical information about ME and allows for the creation or resumption of unique networking opportunities with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced authorities on ME in the world.

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Videos from past conferences

We have videos from all presentations in all conferences available. These are not just educational but contain a historical record of research progress over the years. The education of healthcare staff must reflect the latest knowledge about the pathogenesis of ME which high quality biomedical research is providing. The presenters at the CPD-accredited Invest in ME Research International ME Conferences have represented the world's most current knowledgebase regarding this disease - providing the latest research and clinical information about ME and a unique location for networking with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced authorities on ME in the world. These videos provide useful information for researchers, clinicians and patients as well as providing a historical record of research into ME.

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Our Past Colloquiums

The Invest in ME Research Biomedical Research into ME (BRMEC) Colloquiums are closed research meetings organised by the charity to encourage biomedical research into ME and international collaboration amongst researchers. This has been one of the main objectives of the charity. Invest in ME Research began arranging public biomedical research conferences in 2006 and have continued them ever since - mostly funded by the charity but with help from some wonderful supporters and some good friends. The Invest in ME Research International Biomedical Research into ME Colloquiums began in 2011 as a way of bringing together researchers from around the world in a round-table discussion of ME research and ideas. Over the years this has broadened into sharing of experiences, data and plans for future research and international collaboration. A culmination of much of this effort was the initiation of The European ME Research Group (EMERG) concept which formed in October 2015 in London in an attempt to set up a strategy of European collaboration in ME research.

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Young Researchers

To encourage new and young and early career researchers into the field of ME research the charity initiated the Thinking the Future research meetings - with a focus on international collaboration.
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An international family of researchers working together has been facilitated by the Invest in ME Research BRMEC* Biomedical Research into ME Colloquiums held annually in London, UK. To ensure that a foundation of biomedical research into ME can be sustained and to encourage new ideas from new areas then we cannot rely just on this family of researchers that has been built up from all parts of the world. We need to draw in knowledge and expertise from other areas. Importantly, we also need to encourage early career researchers – and young researchers.
Following the pandemic, in 2023 the charity restarted the young/ecr European network - Young EMERG.
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Young EMERG is now an entity that can help attract more young researchers into research into ME and assist in building capacity in the field. YE will also foster European and international collaboration and create new idea and awareness - all objectives of IiMER.

Our Conference Journals

Our Conference Journals
For each conference we produce an edition of the Journal of IiMER.
Containing news, articles and conference presentation abstracts.

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