Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to increase funding for research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

As set out in the final delivery plan, the Department has taken actions to strengthen research capacity and capability in relation to myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The level of research funding is determined by the quantity and quality of proposals that are recommended for support through the competitive process through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding committees.

The actions announced in the final delivery plan include a research showcase event, a new funding opportunity for a development award focussed on evaluating repurposed pharmaceutical interventions, and the announcement of new funded studies in health and care services, research infrastructure, and capacity-building.

We are determined to accelerate progress in the treatment and management of ME/CFS and will continue working with the ME/CFS community to identify and address barriers to research. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including ME/CFS. Research funding is available, and applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.