Jan 2026 | “LongCARE” coordination project | Network of University Medicine (NUM)
First “LongCARE” symposium on Long COVID and ME/CFS
Around 160 research and healthcare experts as well as persons affected convened at the 1st “LongCARE” symposium, which took place in January. The event was opened by Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken. The objective was to present new scientific findings on Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and to share knowledge on current challenges and advances in patient care.
The “LongCARE” project organised the symposium and coordinates 30 different research projects into Long COVID that are funded by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). Those projects presented their initial findings at the symposium. The topics discussed included scientific definitions for better detection of Long COVID, new diagnostic approaches, the current state-of-the-art in treatment options as well as existing gaps in care. Researchers from projects funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space as well as via the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee also took part.
The symposium took place as part of the NUM Convention by the Network of University Medicine (NUM) and the Alliance for Post-infectious Diseases: Long COVID and ME/CFS. The Alliance, formed by Federal Minister of Health Warken and Federal Minister of Research Bär in November 2025, aims to progress scientific networking on Long COVID and ME/CFS through joint events and dedicate itself to the challenges posed by these conditions for society as a whole.
“LongCARE” coordination project
“LongCARE” is the coordination project for the funding priority “Long COVID” by the Federal Ministry of Health. The project integrates and supports funded Long COVID projects. It also promotes an exchange between the projects involved and evaluates the measures taken. The coordinating agency mainly comprises representatives of TMF e.V. The Network of University Medicine (NUM) and the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) are major “LongCARE” partners.
Network of University Medicine (NUM)
The Network of University Medicine (NUM) is a network of university hospitals in Germany. It was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to better coordinate research and the exchange of data.
The network seeks to connect medical research across different locations, implement joint studies faster and integrate insights into patient care more quickly. University hospitals, research institutions and other partners collaborate closely to achieve this goal.