Journal of IiMER May 2025 Sponsoring IIMEC17 Invest in ME Research gratefully acknowledges a generous donation from our European ME Alliance partners, the Irish ME Trust (IMET), to support the IIMEC17 International ME Conference. This vital contribution continues a longstanding partnership that has significantly advanced biomedical research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) since the conference series began in 2006. The charity dedicates substantial resources to organising the conference week, which includes not only arranging the main events but also supporting the European ME Research Group (EMERG), the Young EMERG early-career researcher network, and an increasing number of researchers and clinicians. This support fosters collaboration, brings new expertise into the field, and helps overcome barriers to research progress at a time when funding is increasingly threatened by political and societal challenges. Thanks to supporters like IMET, Invest in ME Research has been able to sustain and augment these efforts each year. IMET’s commitment is especially notable for its longevity and selflessness; for over twenty years, they have supported Invest in ME Research without seeking promotion or special recognition. As a founding member of the European ME Alliance, IMET has played a key role in building a pan-European research community. Their past donations have helped fund important projects such as research at the UK/European Centre of Excellence for ME at Norwich Research Park. This year, IMET’s sponsorship frees Invest in ME Research resources to focus on building research capacity by subsidising attendance for early-career researchers at the IIMEC17 conference, the 14th Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium (BRMEC14), and the Young EMERG Workshop. These events nurture the next generation of ME researchers by reducing financial barriers, encouraging participation, and fostering connections with established experts. Supporting emerging researchers is crucial for sustaining momentum and encouraging innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches. IMET’s support also reflects a broader tradition of generosity from Irish organisations and individuals towards the charity’s efforts in facilitating research into ME, funding fellowships, clinical trials, and international CPD-accredited scientific meetings. These efforts have created opportunities for healthcare professionals, patients, and carers to engage with the latest developments in ME research. The conference week continues to attract and expand a family of international researchers from Europe, North America, and beyond, including representatives from the NIH and CDC, providing a unique platform for advancing biomedical research into ME through open, collaborative dialogue. Invest in ME Research extends its sincere thanks to the Irish ME Trust for their enduring generosity and partnership. With such partners, Invest in ME Research continues to strive to sustain a global community dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and the development of the next generation of scientific leaders in ME research. Invest in ME Research Page 3 of 43
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