Gemma Samms

Currently studying for a PhD in genetics and molecular medicine, Gemma’s recent work estimating the number of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome in the UK is helping develop a more accurate assessment of the socioeconomic burden of the conditions.

Gemma’s work found that people of Chinese, Asian, and black British ethnicities are substantially less likely to be diagnosed than white British people – highlighting how receiving a diagnosis can be a “lottery”, depending on ethnicity and location. It’s hoped that Gemma’s research will also lead to the improved training of medical professionals and assist further research into identifying accurate diagnostic tests for the debilitating illness.