Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs) (U54, Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans Allowed)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centers (CRC). The overarching goal of this initiative is to establish a network of Centers that will work collaboratively to define the cause(s) of and discover improved treatments for ME/CFS. A more immediate goal for each Center is to rapidly advance synergistic, interdisciplinary research programs while serving as local resources and national leaders in ME/CFS research. Successful CRC research programs will facilitate research in ME/CFS through conducting of 1) collaborative basic and/or clinical research on ME/CFS; 2) longitudinal studies of individuals with ME/CFS within each ME/CFS CRC and across CRCs within the network; 3) access to information related to ME/CFS for basic and clinical researchers, academic and practicing physicians, healthcare professionals, patients, and the lay public. Clinical data and biospecimen sharing are required, and data management for efficient data collection and data sharing, as well as biospecimen sharing will be addressed through the separate data management and coordinating center (DMCC). Institutions must be committed to the establishment and continuation of the proposed ME/CFS CRC. Funding decisions will focus on those applications most likely to make highly impactful contributions to ME/CFS research, as well as on those with the greatest potential to collaborate effectively across the ME/CFS CRC program.