Solve M.E. Funds Two New ME/CFS Research Studies!

Funding awarded to promising new studies led by Dr. Dawei Li and Dr. Malav Trivedi

Solve M.E. is pleased to announce that we have received funding to support additional Ramsay studies for the 2018 Ramsay Award Program Class that will be led by Dawei Li, PhD, an Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont, and Malav Trivedi, PhD, an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University. Both Dr. Li and Dr. Trivedi come to the ME/CFS field relatively early in their careers and bring the kind of enthusiasm and innovative thinking that bode well for the next wave of ME/CFS discoveries.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and their expression in chronic fatigue syndrome

Primary Investigator: Assistant Professor Dawei Li, University of Vermont

Dr. Li will use novel algorithms to identify and genotype genome-wide endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), which are viral elements in our genome that are derived from retroviruses. If successful, the study could identify genetic and viral causes of ME/CFS in severely ill patient cohorts. Dr. Li has set up a powerful collaboration with Drs. Alain Moreau (Université de Montréal), Ron Davis (Stanford University), Wenzhong Xiao (Harvard University), and Alan Light (University of Utah) that will leverage the collective knowledge and innovation across their laboratories.

“ME/CFS In a Petri Dish”

Primary Investigator: Assistant Professor Malav Trivedi, Nova Southeastern University

Dr. Trivedi has previously worked with 2017 Ramsay Class Investigator Dr. Lubov Nathanson on her work to characterize the role of epigenetics in ME/CFS. Dr. Trivedi will now lead his own study on the use of reprogrammed neurons in ME/CFS. Generated neurons have the potential to not only further our understanding the pathobiology (neuro-metabolic and molecular changes) of ME/CFS, but can also be utilized for targeted drug discovery.

Dr. Jarred Younger, from the 2016 Ramsay Class, recently presented new research findings during SMCI’s 2018 Webinar series that indicate brain inflammation plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS. You can watch the webinar, “ME/CFS Involves Brain Inflammation: Results from a Ramsay Pilot Study,” at the link below.


The Ramsay Awards are named after ME/CFS pioneer Dr. A. Melvin Ramsay, the recognized authority from 1955 until his death in 1990, whose sound descriptions of the disease have stood the test of time.  We embrace his determination and spirit to find the answers to this disease.

The Ramsay Award Program Has Three Main Objectives:

  • PROVIDE SEED FUNDING for innovative projects that will generate data to facilitate applications for larger grants
  • ATTRACT RESEARCHERS to the field of ME/CFS and ensure they stay engaged
  • ADD to the cumulative, scientific knowledge

This investment in seed grants through an open competition reflects our commitment to participatory research and inclusivity to advance the field and amplify the work of our grantee researchers. Each grant award typically ranges between $35,000 and $55,000 for a one-year period, with the possibility of renewal for projects yielding promising results.

Questions and inquiries regarding the Ramsay Award Program should be directed to Allison Ramiller, at research@solvecfs.org.

For updates on our Ramsay Award Program and other Solve M.E. news, subscribe to our publications here.

Join our $10,000 match by 4/1 and double your impact

You could fund the next big breakthrough!
Skip to content