To mark this year’s ME Awareness Day, the UK ME/CFS Biobank (UKMEB) is launching a new initiative: a global competition offering free access to high-quality biosamples. This effort is designed to reduce barriers for researchers — particularly early-career scientists — by removing the cost and time typically required to access such valuable resources.
By providing free samples, the initiative aims to support grant applications, foster innovative research, and create new opportunities for collaboration. For many, this could be the catalyst needed to launch or advance crucial biomedical studies into ME/CFS.
The role of the UK ME/CFS biobank in advancing ME/CFS research by providing high-quality biosamples and facilitating global collaborations
Founded by the CureME team in 2011, the UKMEB was the first dedicated ME/CFS biobank in Europe and has since become a global model. Its rigorously collected and well-characterised samples — comprising over 30,000 blood aliquots from people with ME/CFS, multiple sclerosis, Long Covid, and healthy controls — have been instrumental in driving high-impact biomedical research.
As of May 2025, samples and data have been distributed to teams in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Israel, Spain, and the USA — enabling cutting-edge research and fostering a global community of scientists working towards the better diagnosis, treatment, and recognition of ME/CFS.
Without the participation of people with ME/CFS, this research would not be possible. Despite the debilitating nature of their condition, hundreds of people with ME/CFS have taken part in our studies and donated samples to the UKMEB. They are the true custodians of this research, enabling research internationally through their generosity.
These samples reflect each individual living with ME/CFS who has taken part, many with a history of not ignored, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. Behind every tube of blood is someone who gave their time, energy, and trust, often while experiencing fatigue and pain, with the risk of post-exertional crashes following their participation. Donating to the UK ME/CFS Biobank involves a clinical assessment, the completion of several detailed questionnaires, and the donation of significant amounts of blood — tasks that can be a real challenge for people with ME/CFS.
And yet, participants continue to do so with the hope that their samples and data will make a difference for future generations. Their contribution is a profound act of generosity, grounded in the belief that research can change lives.
Unlock ME/CFS research with free biosamples – access to biobanked samples and data accelerates research and cuts study costs
Researchers who are interested in applying for free samples: please visit our page by following the below link for more details.
If you have any questions about eligibility, study design, or how to apply, please do not hesitate to contact us at mecfsbiobank@lshtm.ac.uk.
Your voice matters. Whether you’re behind the bench or a person living with ME/CFS, your experience can help shape the future of ME/CFS research. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
On this ME Awareness Day
Researchers, when you receive UKMEB samples, know that they come from individuals who gave more than data — they gave part of their story. Use these samples with care and respect and let them inspire your work.
Participants, your strength, compassion, and willingness to give — at some cost — is what makes this research possible. You are not only part of the science, but at the very heart of it.
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