Together with the WWTF, WE&ME is taking the next steps for ME/CFS research: the 2026 Fellowships have been awarded.
With this funding instrument, the WE&ME Foundation and the WWTF support accompanying projects on a smaller scale – primarily within existing programs. The maximum funding amount is 100,000 euros. The initiative for these projects arises directly from the work of the WWTF.
The “ME/CFS Call 2026 – Fellowships” was published on October 14, 2025 by the WWTF together with the WE&ME Foundation and is aimed at young female scientists in the field of ME/CFS who would like to complete a six-month research stay at a research institution in Vienna, Lower Austria or abroad. The aim of the program is to strengthen the international ME/CFS community, promote excellent young female scientists and further expand professional exchange.
Sponsored by WE&ME and WWTF, supported among others by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
A total of 233,171 euros were awarded.
There were 7 submissions.
The award was made by an international jury.
The jury meeting took place on March 11, 2026, the formal decision by the WWTF Board on March 31, 2026.
Special thanks to the jury:
Chris Ponting (Chair) | University of Edinburgh, UK
Alba Azola | Johns Hopkins Hospital, US
Resia Pretorius | Stellenbosch University, SA
Elisa Oltra | Catholic University of Valencia, ES
David Putrino | Icahn School of Medicine – Mount Sinai, US
Keith Geraghty | University of Manchester, UK
Funded projects 2026:
- Karen Giménez Orenga (Universidad Católica de Valencia)
Uncovering the Genetic Contribution of Human Endogenous Retroviruses to ME/CFS
Funding amount: 39,504 euros - Leonardo Vincenzi (Medical University of Vienna)
MEndelian Randomization for Evaluating Medicines and Approved Pharmacotherapies in ME/CFS
Funding amount: 37,884 euros - Daniel Garcia De Otazo Hernandez (TU Vienna)
The sweet side of ME/CFS treatment: Glycan analysis in Korean medicine
Funding amount: 40,000 euros - Maria Ljungström (Medical University of Vienna)
Persistent Platelet-Monocyte CrossTalk Underlies Failure to Resolve Inflammation and Symptoms in ME/CFS
Funding amount: 35,860 euros - Jordan Mcging (University of Oxford)
Simultaneous assessment of muscle perfusion and mitochondrial function in ME/CFS
Funding amount: 40,000 euros - Magdalena Eitenberger (University of Vienna)
ME/CFS Pathways: Understanding and Translating Lived Experiences of Uncertain Diagnosis and Healthcare
Funding amount: 39,923 euros
Thank you to the jury – and congratulations to the next generation of researchers whose work is providing important impetus for the understanding and future of ME/CFS research.
