The First Fellowship for Research into ME -
the
Invest in ME Research "Ian Gibson" Fellowship
In 2022 the charity announced its commitment to funding the first Postdoctoral Fellowship for research into myalgic encephalomyelitis [1].
In partnership with Quadram Institute Bioscience this new position was created to continue and extend research into ME and builds on the foundations already in place for further developing the UK/European Centre of Excellence for ME research in Norwich Research Park.
In agreement with Dr Gibson's wife, Liz, and with Quadram Institute, the charity has decided to name this fellowship
the
Invest in ME Research "Ian Gibson" Fellowship
- in memory
of scientist, politician, advocate and good friend of people with ME, Dr Ian Gibson.
This first fellowship for ME recognises Dr Gibson's great influence in supporting people with ME and in helping the charity move ahead with facilitating the research programme and centre for research into ME.
Dr Gibson was a unique MP in that he understood the science and politics and was always interested in
all kinds of views, and was consistently engaged in debates spanning diverse issues.
He was a steadfast advocate for the underdog, lending his voice to those often ignored.
This profound commitment to fairness and justice manifested not only in his advocacy but also in his
resolute support for organisations that echoed his ethos.
It is why he aligned himself with a volunteer-driven charity such as Invest in ME Research.
In recognising the intrinsic value of every effort, regardless of size or financial backing,
he embodied the transformative power of standing alongside those tirelessly working for change,
emphasising that true impact arises from the heart, not just the spotlight - something
that perfectly describes our supporters.
Ian Gibson' Fellowship Detail
The fellowship is being performed by Dr Katharine Seton and continues her career in research into ME at
Quadram Institute.
Recently, Dr Seton completed her PhD that was funded by Invest in ME Research and the University of East Anglia [2].
This is an important step in supporting the continuity of the research strategy for ME that has been well established and is being performed and planned at Quadram Institute and University of East Anglia.
Details of some of Dr Seton’s planned research will include determining the contribution of the
intestinal microbiome to oxidative stress in ME patients and whether this can cause alterations in immune function,
accelerating premature immune ageing in patients.
She also plans to determine the impact of microbiota replacement therapy (MRT) on intestinal and systemic
oxidative stress in ME patients.
This will be the first study to directly assess intestinal microbiome contribution to oxidative stress in ME patients.
Identifying the source of oxidative stress and its impact on immune cell function will enable the development of treatment options to break this cycle.
Augmenting the UK Centre of Excellence for ME
This is an important step in supporting the continuity of the research strategy for ME that has been well established and is being performed and planned at Quadram Institute and University of East Anglia.
Research into ME requires urgency and investment and it is necessary to maintain the base of research that has been developed over the years in Norwich Research Park.
The charity has now funded five PhDs and is currently fully funding an microbiota replacement therapy (MRT) clinical trial at Quadram Institute (the only clinical trial for ME currently in the UK, and one of just a few in the world for ME).
The new fellowship further enhances the opportunities at the centre, making it the pre-eminent location for funding research into this devastating disease.
The value of this UK/European centre of excellence for ME is clear and it is notable that this has been developed in partnership by patients and carers and a forward-looking research institute and university, with world-class researchers. The charity looks to continue funding the centre and facilitate the European/international collaboration within the European ME Research Group (EMERG).
Just some of the tributes to Ian Gibson from researchers
Error processing SSI file 
References and Further Reading
- “UK Charity Announces First Fellowship for Research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in Norwich Research Park”
- Investigating Antibody Reactivity to the Intestinal Microbiome in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Feasibility Study
- Blog: Investigating Antibody Reactivity to the Intestinal Microbiome in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Feasibility Study
- Ian Gibson - 1 Year On
- STEM for Britain
- UK Charity Invest in ME Research grants funding for continued research into ME, including a clinical trial at the Quadram Institute.
- UK/European Centre of Excellence for ME Executive Summary
- #InvestinMEresearch - No Longer a Slogan - Now a Reality