DecodeME

@decodemestudy.bsky.social

🧬 The world’s biggest study of genetic causes of #MECFS. Launched September 2022. 🧬 decodeme.ed.ac.uk

The ME Association are pleased to announce that we have awarded Decode ME the Howes-Goudsmit Award 2025 for their extensive work and commitment to their genome-wide association study. Find out more: https://meassociation.org.uk/ir3e #MECFS #pwME #SevereME #MyalgicE #DecodeME #HowesGoudsmitAward

The ME Association awards Decode ME the Howes Goudsmit Award 2025 - The ME Association

The ME Association are pleased to announce that we have […]

meassociation.org.uk

As we move into the next phase of our study, we would like to say a huge thank you. Going forwards, we will no longer be able to respond to emails & check social media. Stay up to date through our email list - sign up at the bottom of our new homepage: shorturl.at/46QSk

DecodeME graphic. In the centre it says 'Thank you' in white cursive writing and beneath it 'from DecodeME'.

If you took part in DecodeME, your data will continue to be held securely by Edinburgh Uni. To update your details/ consent, please email decodeme@ed.ac.uk. For general info or support, please contact Action for ME at infosupport@actionforme.org.uk or 0117 927 9551.

DecodeME graphic. In the centre it says 'Your data and consent. If you took part in DecodeME, your data will continue to be held securely by the University of Edinburgh. Any consents you gave, for wider use or recontact, remain valid'. Beneath this in a speech bubble it says 'To update your details or consent, please email decodeme.ed.ac.uk'.

We shared our initial DNA results over the past few weeks to a wonderful response and widespread media coverage. Now, we are moving into the next phase of the study and have some updates to share. Check out our blog post to find out what’s next for DecodeME: shorturl.at/Y1hXm

DecodeME 'New Blog Post'. Titled: 'What's next for DecodeME?'. 'We shared our initial DNA results over the past few weeks to a wonderful response and widespread media coverage. Now, we are moving into the next phase of the study and have some updates to share.' There is an image of a scientist wearing goggles and pointing to a blackboard with a DNA helix.

“This solid scientific data from DecodeME brings new hope. I look forward to seeing where these discoveries lead for pwME, & their families & carers.” - Claire Tripp, DecodeME PPI. A huge thanks to our participants & supporters for making DecodeME possible.

Image of Claire from DecodeME's PPI. Claire has fair skin, brown hair and is grinning. She is quoted saying "For DecodeME to show evidence validating ME as a physiological disease is enormously satisfying. My sense of pride and achievement at being part of this groundbreaking study is immeasurable.

This solid scientific data from DecodeME brings new hope. I look forward to seeing where these discoveries lead for people with ME, and their families and carers."

(1/2) We have been blown away by the public response to our initial DNA results. We’ve been delighted to be featured in a range of news outlets, radio programs & articles. A huge thanks to those who helped spread the word & have helped us put ME/CFS research into the public eye.

News coverage. We have been blown away by the public interest in DecodeME's initial DNA findings.  Please swipe to check out some of our press coverage. Links to full segments, interviews and articles will be in our bio. Screenshot of Prof Chris Ponting and DecodeME participant. Beneath this it says 'Channel 4 News at 7pm, 6th August'. Screenshot of BBC news reporter and Prof Chris Ponting. Beneath this it says BBC Scotland News at 7pm, 6th August. Screenshot of BBC Radio 4 Today. Beneath this it says BBC Radio 4 Today Program, 7th August.

“I am proud that this study was run differently, with lived experience at its heart. Proud that our community stepped up en masse to participate, and proud that we are at the forefront of scientific research into this debilitating illness.” - Sian Leary, DecodeME PPI

Photo of Sian Leary, from DecodeME patient and public involvement, next to the quote: "Having been on the Patient and Public Involvement Steering Group for the past 5 years, I want to celebrate this moment, but also to acknowledge the intense suffering pwME continue to endure. This study gives each of us validation that too often has been missing from healthcare professionals and close ones. We are a significant step closer to identifying the causes of ME, and to finding treatments."

“DecodeME shows the incredible level of support that the ME/CFS patient community can give to research that involves them on a deep and meaningful level. Without the community, we could not have achieved all that we have.” Andy Devereux-Cooke (PPI Member and Co-Investigator)

Photo of Andy Devereux-Cooke, PPI member and Co-investigator, next to his quote: "DecodeME shows the incredible level of support that the ME/CFS patient community can give to research that involves them on a deep and meaningful level. Without the community, we could not have achieved all that we have"

Join us TOMORROW for our genetic results webinar! Register here: shorturl.at/fnB67 There are limited spots to join on Zoom (registering does not guarantee a spot). Don’t worry though, we will be recording it and we will also be sharing it live on Facebook at the time.

Genetic results webinar. Join us on Zoom or Facebook, Thursday 14th August 2025, 15:30-16:30 BST. Photos of the DecodeME management team.

"DecodeME is now calling on researchers worldwide to join us in accelerating ME/CFS research.” - Prof Chris Ponting (DecodeME Investigator). We encourage researchers to explore and build on our findings. Apply for access to our rich dataset now shorturl.at/F8aOM

Image of Chris Ponting next to quote "This is a wakeup call. These extraordinary results speak the language of people with ME/CFS, often recounting people's ME/CFS symptoms. DecodeME is now calling on researchers worldwide to join us in accelerating ME/CFS research"

Today is #SevereMEDay - a day to recognise and honour the people living with the most devastating forms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). We are deeply grateful to those with Severe ME who took part in the DecodeME study. Your contribution is vital.

Thank you to the thousands of people with Severe ME who have taken the time and energy to participate in DecodeME #SevereMEDay

The initial DNA results from DecodeME are coming this week! We will release them on our website on Wednesday 6th August at 7pm (approx). We're letting you know the timing in advance so you can pace beforehand. Thank you to our participants & supporters.

Dark blue background with image of DNA helix. At the top of the DecodeME ‘the results’ logo. Two spotlights shine on a speech bubble that says ‘Initial DNA results’. To the right of this is an image of a research paper. At the bottom of the graphic it says ‘Wednesday 7pm BST’.

This week, the project team reached a significant milestone: we are into the final analysis stage which tests millions of DNA variants for their association to ME/CFS. Completion of the write-up and announcement of the results will follow as soon as possible.

The post reads: 'This week, the project team reached a significant milestone: we are into the final analysis stage which tests millions of DNA variants for their association to ME/CFS. Completion of the write-up and announcement of the results will follow as soon as possible.  
We are on target to deliver the results before the completion of the study in August and appreciate your continued patience and support. - DecodeME Team'

"Being part of DecodeME’s PPI Steering Group has given me the chance to turn my daughter’s life-altering illness into something purposeful…” - Claire Tripp, DecodeME PPI. Our PPI group is at the heart of #DecodeME, providing lived experience & expertise to ensure #pwME have their voices heard.

At the top left hand corner is the DecodeME logo. Beneath this is an image of Claire. She has brown hair, fair skin and grins. Beneath this it says 'Claire Tripp, DecodeME PPI'. To the right of the picture "Being part of DecodeME’s PPI Steering Group has given me the chance to turn my daughter’s life-altering illness into something purposeful. When patients and carers are involved, research becomes not just more accessible - but more powerful. Beneath this: 'proudly supporting World ME Day'.

This World ME Day, I reflect with pride on the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)..this is research done differently – because we deserve better.” - Sian Leary, DecodeME PPI. Our PPI group is at the heart of #DecodeME, providing lived experience & expertise to ensure #pwME have their voices heard.

DecodeME graphic. At the top left hand corner of the graphic is the DecodeME logo. Beneath this is an image of Sian. She has blonde hair, fair skin, wears glasses and grins. Beneath this image it says 'Sian Leary, DecodeME PPI'. To the right of the picture is a quote from Sian: "This World ME Day, I reflect with pride on the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) at the core of DecodeME. This is research done differently - because we deserve better.' Beneath this: 'proudly supporting World ME Day'