press section
Press releases
You can find all the latest news about our activities at News & Events.
Here you will find an archive of activities published as press releases.
Berlin / Hamburg, 30 April 2026
ME/CFS – where does the research stand today?
At the International ME/CFS Conference 2026, taking place on 7 and 8 May in Berlin, the latest research findings on the pathophysiology and treatment approaches for ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and post-COVID syndrome will be presented and discussed.
Hamburg, 27 April 2026
Societal costs of Long COVID and ME/CFS continue to rise – €64.4 billion in 2025 alone
An update to the study first published in May 2025 estimates the total annual societal costs of Long COVID and ME/CFS in Germany for 2025 at €64.4 billion, up from €63.1 billion in 2024. This corresponds to approximately 1.44% of gross domestic product.
Hamburg, 6 February 2026
ME/CFS Research Foundation launches its 2026 research funding programme
Researchers and clinicians in Germany can now apply for our 2026 research funding programme. A total of €2 million is available for new research projects.
Hamburg, 21 January 2026
The ME/CFS Research Foundation has raised over €4 million for ME/CFS research and has announced a major research funding programme
Since its establishment four years ago and up until December 2025, the charitable foundation has been able to steadily increase its fundraising total and has already invested just under €2 million in biomedical research. The half-yearly report highlights past projects and announces new initiatives for 2026.
Berlin, 1 September 2025
International Declaration in Support of Research and Drug Development for ME/CFS and Long COVID
More than 60 leading international scientists and medical professionals have signed a new Declaration. They are calling for a globally coordinated approach on research and drug development for ME/CFS and Long COVID
Hamburg, 12 May 2025
Social and economic costs of Long COVID and ME/CFS in Germany severely underestimated
ME/CFS Research Foundation and risk research institute Risklayer publish a
joint report, which for the first time provides current data on the prevalence and social costs of long COVID and ME/CFS in Germany.
Hamburg / Berlin, 1 May 2025
ME/CFS – where does the research stand today?
On the occasion of International ME/CFS Awareness Day on 12 May 2025, leading international experts will gather in Berlin on 12 and 13 May for two dedicated events to discuss the current state of ME/CFS and Long Covid research.
Hamburg, Bremen 17. März 2025
Premier League club Werder Bremen supports the #LemonChallengeMECFS
As part of a matchday campaign at Werder Bremen last Saturday, players and numerous fans bit into lemons. With the #LemonChallengeMECFS, they called for greater awareness of the serious and often invisible condition ME/CFS, which also affects many football fans.
Hamburg, Bremen 13 March 2025
Lemons on everyone's lips – the #LemonChallengeMECFS gets support from professional football
On 15 March, Werder Bremen is dedicating a day of action to the serious and often invisible disease ME/CFS. Before the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, professional players and fans will be biting into a lemon to demand more attention and research.
Hamburg, 23. Dezember 2024
Sour makes visible - #LemonChallengeMECFS raises awareness for ME/CFS
On 6 December 2024 at 1:07 p.m., the ME/CFS Research Foundation launched the #LemonChallengeMECFS. Hundreds have already bitten the lemon for attention and donations for people with ME/CFS.
Hamburg, 31. Juli 2024
The Hamburg-based ME/CFS Research Foundation has raised 1.37 million euros for research into ME/CFS.
The number of ME/CFS research projects has increased in the last two years. However, there is still a wide gap between the need for research and research activities. The foundation publishes its semi-annual report in August 2024.
Hamburg, 14. Juli 2024
The Hamburg Goldkehlchen donate 50,000 euros for the inventionorschung von ME/CFS
The Hamburg Goldkehlchen gave two "traditional summer concerts" last weekend in Hamburg's Stadtpark. The legendary male choir from Hamburg sang for a good cause. The proceeds from Saturday's concert went to the ME/CFS Research Foundation, which funds research into the multisystemic disease ME/CFS.
Hamburg 29. April 2024
International ME/CFS Awareness Day on 12 May
Buildings and landmarks are bathed in blue light, protesters gather for funeral processions and lie down in demonstration. They want more research, recognition and care.
Hamburg, 20. April 2024
Impressive fundraising campaign for her 22nd birthday: Lisa raises €12,500 for ME/CFS research
Lisa B. from Herrenberg has been suffering from ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) for three years. On her birthday, she collects donations for the ME/CFS Research Foundation so that this disease can be researched, diagnosed and treated in the future.
