MSIF’s McDonald Fellowships fund 2-year research placements for early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
Applications for the 2026 McDonald Fellowships will be accepted until 1 December 2025.
When is the Application Deadline:
📅 December 1, 2025
(This includes the online application, host statement, and referee letters)
Tell Me About The Award:
The McDonald Fellowship by the MS International Federation (MSIF) provides fully funded, two-year research placements for early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work on multiple sclerosis (MS) at a research institution outside their own country.
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The fellowship is designed to support capacity building, international collaboration, and knowledge transfer, with the expectation that recipients will return to their home countries and contribute to MS research or patient care.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
🎓 Research fields related to multiple sclerosis, including:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Public health (MS-related)
- Clinical sciences
- Epidemiology
- Related biomedical and healthcare fields
Type:
Postgraduate Fellowship / Early Career Research Grant
Who Can Apply?
✅ Eligible candidates must:
- Hold a postgraduate degree (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD)
- Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank)
- Focus their research in an area relevant to MS
- Be in one of the following situations:
- Working/studying in a low- or middle-income country
- Working/studying in another country on a project started within six months prior to application
- Studying abroad under a Du Pré Grant project funded by MSIF
How Are Applicants Selected?
Fellowships are awarded by a selection panel composed of MS researchers and individuals affected by MS, based on:
- Research quality & relevance
- Applicant’s qualifications
- Institutional support
- Developmental impact in applicant’s home country
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 Low- and middle-income countries only (as classified by the World Bank)
This includes countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
📍 A host institution outside the applicant’s home country, selected in collaboration with the applicant and approved by MSIF.
How Many Awards?
Several fellowships awarded annually.
Some fellowships are co-sponsored (e.g., MSIF-ECTRIMS and MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowships).
What is the Benefit of the Award?
💶 €55,000 per year for 2 years (total: €110,000), including:
- Travel and living costs for the fellow
- Contribution to the host institution
📝 Fellows must submit an annual report and a final report with results, publications, or outputs.
How Long Will the Award Last?
⏳ Two years, starting within 12 months of being awarded
How to Apply:
📌 Step-by-step Application Process:
- Identify a host institution and agree on a research project
- Contact a supervisor at the host institution and get their support
- Complete the online application form
- After submission, the host supervisor will receive instructions to submit a supporting statement.
- Request 3 referees to email reference letters to: [email protected]
- Carefully prepare the lay summary of your project
- Review and agree to the terms and conditions of the fellowship
🔗 MSIF McDonald Fellowship 2026 – Apply Here
