As Open Medicine Foundation (OMF) begins its thirteenth year, we recently marked a significant milestone – the fourth anniversary of Open Medicine Foundation (OMF) Australia – with a special gathering in Melbourne.
Hosted at the historic Cranlana House, the event brought together researchers, board members, and key partners. It was a particularly meaningful occasion as OMF Founder and CEO Linda Tannenbaum visited Australia and saw OMF Australia Board convene in person for the first time.
This anniversary provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress being made and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating collaborative research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Long COVID, and related complex chronic diseases that affect so many people globally.
Global Collaboration, Local Impact
Linda Tannenbaum shared her personal story behind OMF’s founding – a journey driven by her daughter’s illness and the realization that collaborative research was desperately needed. OMF’s global network, now spanning centers at Stanford, Harvard, Montreal, Uppsala, and Melbourne, has raised over $55 million globally. This collaborative, open-science approach is crucial for driving discovery faster. Linda also highlighted key initiatives like the OMF StudyME participant registry (now with over 12,500 registrants globally connecting patients to research) and our Medical Education Resource Center (MERC) partnership, aiming to improve clinical understanding.
Pioneering Australian Research
Dr. Christopher Armstrong, our Research Director leading the Melbourne ME/CFS Collaboration at the University of Melbourne, provided insights into the cutting-edge work happening in Australia. Supported by vital partners, including the University of Melbourne, the McCusker Foundation, the Mason Foundation, and the Australian government, as well as our valued individual donors, his team is focused on:
- Uncovering Root Causes: Investigating the biological underpinnings of ME/CFS and Long COVID, particularly focusing on energy production issues and how the body responds to exertion.
- Advancing Precision Medicine: Applying artificial intelligence (AI) to identify patterns in biological data, with the aim of developing much-needed diagnostic tests and tools to predict which treatments might work best for individual patients.
- Addressing Women’s Health: Specifically researching why these conditions disproportionately affect women and understanding the role biological factors like hormones may play.
Dr. Armstrong stressed that the ultimate goal is to translate these complex scientific findings into tangible benefits – accurate diagnosis, effective treatments, and improved care for patients.
A Community United for the Future
As the presentations drew to a close, the room was filled with a strong sense of purpose, hope, and optimism about the remarkable progress achieved and the possibilities that lie ahead.
We were heartened by the many offers of support from guests—ranging from introductions to new partners, to volunteering specialized skills, and pledges of financial assistance. This outpouring of commitment from our community underscores the momentum we are building together.
We are genuinely excited to see what the future holds as we continue to advance research and improve the lives of those affected by ME/CFS and Long COVID.
Looking Ahead
OMF Australia’s fourth anniversary is not just a reflection on the past, but a launchpad for the future. OMF, OMF Australia, and OMF Canada remain resolutely focused on accelerating this critical research. Your support, belief, and engagement are fundamental to everything we do. Together, we are driving toward a future where ME/CFS and Long COVID are understood, treatable, and ultimately preventable.
Thank you for being part of the OMF community and for your continued trust and support.
