Overview
Two fellowships are offered in partnership with global organizations:
MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship : In collaboration with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)
Description
Two fellowships are offered in partnership with global organizations:
MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship : In collaboration with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)
MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship : Supported by France Sclerose En Plaques (FranceSEP)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be citizens of a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country as defined by the World Bank
Hold a postgraduate degree (at least MSc, preferably PhD or MD)
Be focused on a research area relevant to multiple sclerosis
Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country, OR
Have started a research project abroad within six months before applying, OR
Be completing a Du Pré Grant-funded MSIF project
Women and indigenous researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.
Priority is given to applicants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Additional Information
Types Of Mcdonald Fellowships Offered
Two fellowships are offered in partnership with global organizations:
MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship : In collaboration with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)
MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship : Supported by France Sclerose En Plaques (FranceSEP)
Degree Level
Fellowship
Research Focus Areas Supported By The Fellowship
Projects must be in a field relevant to multiple sclerosis, such as:
Neuroimmunology
Neurology and Neurodegeneration
Remyelination and demyelination mechanisms
Neurorehabilitation
MS epidemiology and public health in LMICs
The fellowship may also support part-funding for PhD programs that have already started, provided the applicant has been accepted into the program within the six months prior to application.
Benefits
The McDonald Fellowship aims to build research capacity in countries where multiple sclerosis research and treatment resources are limited, by providing young scientists with:
A 2-year funded placement at a host institution abroad
An annual stipend of €55,000, paid to the host institution to cover the fellow’s salary and expenses
Access to global MS research collaborations and mentorship
Opportunities to return home and continue MS research and/or clinical work with newly acquired knowledge
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants from low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country as defined by the World Bank.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be citizens of a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country as defined by the World Bank
Hold a postgraduate degree (at least MSc, preferably PhD or MD)
Be focused on a research area relevant to multiple sclerosis
Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country, OR
Have started a research project abroad within six months before applying, OR
Be completing a Du Pré Grant-funded MSIF project
Women and indigenous researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.
Priority is given to applicants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Application Procedure
This is a joint application between the candidate and a host supervisor at an overseas institution.
Steps to Apply:
Identify a host supervisor and agree on a research project.
Complete the online application form on the MSIF portal (opens 1 July).
Submit a lay summary of your research (500 words).
Ask your host to provide a supporting statement via the application system.
Arrange for three referees to send reference letters to: research@msif.org
Application Deadline : 1 December
Host Supporting Statement Deadline : 1 December
Reference Letter Deadline : 1 December
Note: Deadlines may vary each year visit official website for latest updates.
Visit MSIF’s Fellowship Page for full details
Lay Summary Requirements 500 Words
Applicants must include a lay summary written in simple, non-technical language. Tips:
Clearly explain your research topic and why it matters
Use analogies and simple terms to describe MS-related concepts
Provide concrete examples and focus on the expected impact on people with MS
Test your summary on someone outside the field for clarity
You may submit the summary for feedback to the MSIF team before finalizing.
Post Fellowship Expectations
After completion, fellows must submit:
A year 1 progress report (required for 2nd year funding)
A final report and expense summary
Copies of any papers, posters, or abstracts produced
Proper acknowledgment of the MSIF McDonald Fellowship in all related publications
Partners Supporting The Mcdonald Fellowship
ECTRIMS – The leading European platform for MS research
FranceSEP – A prominent French MS organization supporting global research
Conclusion Advance Your Ms Research Career Internationally
The McDonald Fellowships 2026 offer a life-changing opportunity for talented researchers from low- and middle-income countries to pursue world-class MS research training abroad. If you’re committed to improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis in your country, don’t miss this chance to gain international experience, expand your network, and drive innovation in MS research.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the MSIF McDonald Fellowship? The MSIF McDonald Fellowship is open to early career researchers who are citizens of low- and middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank. Applicants must hold at least a postgraduate qualification (MSc, preferably PhD or MD) in a field relevant to multiple sclerosis and be actively involved in MS-related research or clinical work. Candidates must plan to return to their home country after the fellowship to contribute to MS research and patient care.
What funding does the McDonald Fellowship provide? The McDonald Fellowship provides a two-year research grant of €55,000 per year, paid to the host institution to support the fellow’s salary and research costs. In addition, the fellowship covers one return flight to the host country. The funding is designed to help fellows gain new expertise and build international research collaborations in multiple sclerosis.
When is the application deadline for the McDonald Fellowship? The application deadline for the McDonald Fellowship is 1 December. This deadline applies to the online application form, host supervisor supporting statement, and all reference letters. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted, so applicants are strongly advised to start early and allow sufficient time for referees and host institutions to submit their required documents.
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