Deadline: 01-Dec-2025
The MSIF’s McDonald Fellowships fund 2-year research placements for early career researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
During the visit, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects. Following the award, they expect applicants will be able to use the newly developed expertise and networks, continuing to undertake MS research and/or patient care in low- and middle-income countries.
The fellowship payment is a two-year grant, consisting of 55,000 EUR per year, paid to the host institution and then used to pay the fellow. One return flight to the host country will also be covered by the Fellowship.
All candidates must be educated to post graduate level (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis. They must 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) and focus their research 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 at the time of application, or working or studying in another country on a project which started within the six months prior to application. Those who previously have held an MSIF Du Pré grant are eligible to subsequently apply for a McDonald Fellowship.
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. The McDonald Fellowship may also be used to part fund a PhD programme, where the candidate has already been accepted for the PhD programme in a recognised institute within the six months prior to application but who does not have enough funding to cover the total cost. Successful, candidates and Host supervisors will be required to read and sign the Terms and Conditions of the award. The McDonald Fellowship should start within 12 months of being awarded the funding.
This is a joint application from the applicant and host. Before applying, candidates need to have identified a suitable project and host supervisor at an institution outside of their own country. A project host must be agreed before commencing the application. Candidates should apply through the application website, identify their project and field of interest, agree the project proposal with their host supervisor, and complete all sections of the online application form. After submission, the host supervisor will be contacted to provide a supporting statement. Applicants must also arrange for three referees to send reference letters before the deadline.
MSIF’s McDonald Fellowship panel, which includes scientists, clinicians and people affected by MS from different parts of the world, considers and selects successful candidates. A short report must be submitted at the end of the first year of the fellowship, with second-year funding depending on this report. Upon completion of the fellowship, a final report and expenditure summary is required. Electronic copies of reports, papers, abstracts and posters resulting from the visit should also be submitted. Papers produced as a result of McDonald Fellowship-funded research should acknowledge the fellowship and include the address of the MS International Federation’s website.
An integral component of the application is the 500-word lay summary. Applicants should introduce their research topic and background, explain the problem their proposal aims to solve, and summarise its impact on people affected by MS. The summary must use simple language, define technical terms, provide examples and analogies, and be clear enough for a non-specialist to understand. Applicants are encouraged to test their summary with others before submission and may share it with the MSIF research team for feedback.
The host supporting statement must be submitted before the deadline of 1 December 2025.
For more information, visit MSIF.
