WE&ME Projects 2026
Scope of the Call
This call is open to research teams that aim to advance our understanding of the biological mechanisms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Projects must focus on ME/CFS, demonstrate a clear innovation in methodology or clinical approach. Meaningful involvement of patients and/or patient representatives is mandatory. Teams must demonstrate adequate understanding of ME/CFS and show that participant selection and study design are appropriate according to state-of-the art criteria. Projects investigating patients from other post-acute infection contexts are eligible provided participants fulfill established ME/CFS diagnostic criteria. This call explicitly welcomes applications from researchers new to the ME/CFS field, including those transitioning from related research areas.
Who can apply?
- Core team of two or three Principal Investigators (PIs)
- All PIs must be based at a university, non-university research institution, or other eligible non-profit research organisation
- Open internationally; no geographic restrictions on the host institution
- Industry partners may collaborate in-kind but cannot be funded
- Early-career researchers and applicants with career breaks are explicitly encouraged
Project Duration 18 to 24 months
Funding
- Indicative call volume: approx. 7 projects funded, subject to quality
- Project budget: EUR 120,000 to EUR 180,000 per project
- Personnel and non-personnel costs eligible (max. 40% non-personnel costs)
Timeline
- Call launch: 15th of June 2026
- Stage 1 short proposal deadline: 25th of August 2026, 2pm CET
- Stage 2 full proposal deadline (by invitation): 10th of November 2026, 2pm CET
- Expected funding decision: mid-December 2026
- Project start: from January 2027
Process
- Two-stage submission: open Stage 1 short proposal, followed by invited Stage 2 full proposal
- Application online via WE&ME Funding Portal
- Selection by international jury appointed by the WE&ME Foundation and funding decision by the WE&ME Foundation
- Written feedback provided to all Stage 2 applicants
- Funded teams will have the opportunity to apply for a consolidation call planned for 2028/2029.
Disclaimer
This call is jointly developed by the WE&ME Foundation and Science for ME, and is managed by the Vienna Science and Technology Funds (WWTF) GmbH. The call is funded entirely by the WE&ME Foundation..
Please do not hesitate to contact the call managers for more details:
- Benjamin Missbach| funding@weandmecfs.org| Tel.: +43 1 402 31 43 19
- Grace Liu| funding@weandmecfs.org| Tel.: +43 1 402 31 43 12