Warning: suspicious e-mail
We have been made aware that emails, falsely claiming to be from the Medical Research Foundation (our legal name) or Medical Research UK, are again being sent to a number of individuals and organisations in African nations.
Initially circulated in July 2017, and still ongoing as of November 2026, these emails purport to be from the Chairman and Founder (sometimes also majority shareholder) of the Medical Research Foundation or Medical Research UK. Our logo is used, and our postal address is also given.
The emails falsely claim that we are seeking people to represent or establish a branch of the charity in the recipient’s home country, and require their assistance in its administration in return for payment.
We believe these emails are fraudulent and the intent may be to obtain personal information or sums of money from those targeted. These emails have been reported to the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom for investigation.
We will never approach an individual or organisation in this manner.
We are also aware of a separate, older version of these emails, which seeks the recipient's assistance in acquiring 'quinquenervia' - supposedly a rare, tropical plant used in the manufacture of antibiotics used for tackling cases of Avian Flu.
Again, these emails are fraudulent.
If you receive any correspondence from somebody purporting to be from the charity, and are unsure as to whether it is genuine, please report it to us via the Contact Us page on our website.