# Research and Clinical Conference: International Association for Chronic FatigueSyndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

> **NIH NIH R13** · AMERICAN ASSN/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME · 2020 · $35,000

## Abstract

The International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (IACFS/ME) will
hold its next scientific conference on April 2-5, 2020 in the New York City/New Jersey area. The
IACFS/ME is a nonprofit organization of physicians, research scientists, clinicians, and patients. Its
mission is to promote, stimulate, and coordinate the exchange of ideas related to ME/CFS research and
patient care. ME/CFS is a chronic disabling illness which affects at least one million people in the US.
However, there is no objective diagnostic test and no curative treatment. Also, the small pool of ME/CFS
researchers and clinicians is getting older with no with no clear path to expanding their numbers. Our
objective is to recruit new researchers with an emphasis on increased diversity of scientific discipline (e.g.
fatigue in other illnesses), and greater minority and female representation. Our long-term goal is to
develop diagnostic test(s) and effective treatments for ME/CFS. R13 funding would support attendance by
early stage investigators (ESI) to increase the size and diversity of the field.
 Specific Aim 1: To develop and organize a conference that advances the science and clinical
management of ME/CFS. Specifically, we will invite selected early stage investigators (ESI) including
post- doctoral fellows, new researchers, and advanced medical and graduate students. ESI participation
is essential to the viability, credibility, and scientific progress of this field. We will also welcome
experienced researchers who have decided to shift or expand their focus to include ME/CFS.
 Specific Aim 2: To expand the conference by inviting researchers who study all aspects of fatigue,
including illness fatigue (e.g., cancer, multiple sclerosis), as well as fatigue with respect to aging, sleep,
exercise and occupational fatigue. This will encourage cross-disciplinary discussions, potential
collaborations, and the likelihood of scientific advances in CFS/ME.
 Specific Aim 3: To actively seek out conference participation by underrepresented scientists
(including women, ethnic minorities, and chronically disabled persons) through focused advertising,
contacts with organizations and programs focused on increasing participation by women and
minorities in science, and encouragement of submissions that focus on minority populations. This is
especially relevant to ME/CFS because it disproportionately affects women and minorities.
 ESI awardees would receive coverage of travel and conference expenses and mentoring by senior
IACFS/ME scientists. The impacts of R13 funding may include: more ESIs and under-represented
minorities and women showing a career interest in studying CFS/ME, an increased number and
quality of grant applications, and scientific advances in understanding causation, pathophysiology,
diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ME/CFS.
Project Summary/Abstract Page 6

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9913972
- **Project number:** 1R13NS115399-01
- **Recipient organization:** AMERICAN ASSN/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
- **Principal Investigator:** FRED FRIEDBERG
- **Activity code:** R13 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $35,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9913972

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9913972, Research and Clinical Conference: International Association for Chronic FatigueSyndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (1R13NS115399-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9913972. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*