Journal of IiMER May 2025 Welcome to International ME Conference Week 2025 Welcome to International ME Conference Week 2025. Another opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in our objective of improving the lives of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME, sometimes referred to as ME/CFS). We approach the twentieth anniversary of Invest in ME Research and continue to emphasise the urgent need for real, lasting change for people with ME. Our work has spanned pragmatic advocacy, raising standards in education and clinical care, and facilitating and funding biomedical research. The vision of a Centre of Excellence for ME - an integrated hub for research, clinical trials, and patient care - has been a core element of our strategy. Over the past fifteen years, this vision has taken root at Norwich Research Park, where we have supported pioneering researchers, funded multiple PhD and postdoctoral positions, and enabled the UK’s only clinical trial for ME. This progress has only been possible through the dedication of our supporters and the collaborative spirit of the leading researchers. Norwich Research Park provides a unique environment, combining university, medical school, hospital, clinical trials unit, genomics institute on a single site, with a nearby ME clinic supporting research. This impressive setting has allowed us to lay the groundwork for sustainable progress. Our collaborations with researchers such as Dr Ian Gibson and Professor Simon Carding have resulted in a unique momentum and innovative projects that address the biomedical basis of ME, while support from The Hendrie Foundation, LunaNova and our wider community of supporters. Recognising that meaningful progress depends on collaboration, we established European networks to enhance research capabilities and promote greater cooperation among scientists across Europe, allowing harmonisation of methodologies and facilitating joint projects. This also included initiating a European network to strengthen the link between clinical experience and research priorities, ensuring that patient needs are central to our efforts. With the launch of Young EMERG (YEMERG), we are facilitating development of the next generation of ME researchers, providing mentorship and resources to ensure this momentum continues. Invest in ME Research Page 1 of 43
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