JOURNAL OF IIMER May 2026 Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt, Berlin Dorothee Bär MdB Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space Berlin, arch 2026 Invitation to deliver the opening address at the 18th Invest in ME Research Conference Dear Invest in ME Research, Thank you for invitation to deliver the opening address at the 18th Invest in ME Research Conference on 29 May 2026 in Hinxton Hall, UK. I appreciate your kind words about the leading role of the German National Decade Against PostInfectious Diseases. I can assure you that research and development of effective therapies against post-infectious diseases are of great importance to me and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). I know from many conversations with patients that everyday life is difficult or even impossible to manage independently for people suffering from ME. This disease is an enormous bürden for those affected, for their relatives as well as for our entire society. That is why organisations like yours and the commitment to funding biomedical ME research and enabling network events through Conferences and colloquia are important in countering this disease. As you mention, the BMFTR will intensify research in this area over the next ten years as part of the National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases. Funds totalling 500 million euros have been earmarked for this purpose and for the duration of the Decade. In accordance with the latest scientific findings, the focus within the National Decade will be on research into biomedical causes of these diseases and, building on this, improved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. I want to assure all those affected by post-infectious diseases that we are taking the necessary steps into the right direction. We are committed to further creating the ideal research basis for realising treatment options that can provide a eure or significantly alleviate their suffering. With the Decade, we are making significant leaps towards achieving these goals together. Thank you once again for your kind Invitation and the honour of delivering the opening address at IIMEC18. Unfortunately, I am unable to take part due to other commitments. Yours sincerely, Dorothee Bär Invest in ME Research Page 21 of 35
23 Publizr Home