Deadline: 30-Jun-23
The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) is seeking applications for the Du Pré Grants Program that enables multiple sclerosis researchers and clinicians from low- and middle-income countries to make short visits (up to six months) to established MS research centres, outside of their own country.
For 2023 they are open to applications for virtual or local projects to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19. During the visit or virtual project, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects. This benefits care for people with MS and supports collaborative research. Following the award, they expect applicants to use the newly developed expertise and networks, and continue MS research and/or clinical practice in low- and middle-income countries.
Funding Information
- Visits may last between two and six months. Each grant is up to a maximum of £6,000 GBP, to cover the cost of travel and living expenses or to top up an existing grant to extend a visit.
- For 2023 they are more flexible on the use of funds if virtual or local projects are proposed, but this must be agreed upon in the project proposal.
Eligibility Criteria
- All candidates must:
- Be educated to post graduate level (at least MSc, but preferably PhD/MD) in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Be citizens of a low- or middle-income country (all countries with a low, lower middle or upper middle income as defined by the World Bank)
- Focus their research proposal in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis
- Candidates must also be in one of the following situations:
- Working or studying in a low- or middle-income country (all countries with a low, lower middle or upper middle income as defined by the World Bank) at the time of nomination
- Working or studying in another country on a project which started within the six months prior to nomination
- Studying in another country on a project supported by an MS International Federation grant
- Not been awarded a McDonald Fellowship previously. Those who previously have held a Du Pré grant are eligible to subsequently apply for a McDonald Fellowship, but not the other way round.
- Candidates are expected to return to their own countries at the end of the study period where they will contribute to advancing care and research in MS. A strong plan of how to continue one’s work after the award has ended is recommended.
- The grant may also be used as a supplement for work related to MS by a candidate who has been accepted for training in a recognised institute (within the six months prior to nomination) but who doesn’t have enough money to cover the total cost.
- Candidates and Host supervisors are required to read and sign the Terms and Conditions of the award
- Expanded eligibility criteria
- The 2022 Du Pré Grant requirements for applicants have been amended. Due to travel restrictions they are considering alternative ways to carry out research projects, allowing flexibility around how the Du Pré Grants are spent, as well as when and where the project would be carried out.
- They encourage potential applicants to think creatively together with their proposed hosts about potential solutions.
- A project may be:
- in a research institute/hospital abroad if travel permits (as in previous years)
- in a research institute/hospital in your home country
- a virtual project, either in full or in part with host institution mentoring
- Projects are only accepted if risk of travel is low; the project can be carried out safely with minimal risk to the applicant; there are sufficient resources and supervision to allow the proposed project to take place; and the project demonstrates sufficient value to the applicant.
- Application forms include a question asking the applicant to write a plan for how to conduct the work or a part of the work if unable to travel.
- These conditions will only change for the 2023 Awards round.
For more information, visit Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF).