MSIF's McDonald Fellowships
The McDonald Fellowships by the MS International Federation (MSIF) provide 2-year research placements for early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries. These fellowships aim to advance research and care in multiple sclerosis (MS) by enabling researchers to gain expertise and build networks in institutions outside their home countries.
📜 About MSIF's McDonald Fellowships
The McDonald Fellowship supports early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries to:
- Work in a research institution outside their home country.
- Gain expertise or conduct joint research projects.
- Contribute to advancing MS research and patient care upon returning to their home country.
Key Details:
- Date Published: June 14, 2025
- Application Deadline: December 01, 2025
- Fellowship Duration: 2 years
- Sponsor Organisation: MS International Federation (MSIF)
The fellowship can also partially fund a PhD program if the candidate has been accepted into a recognized institution within six months prior to the application but lacks sufficient funding.
🎁 Benefits of MSIF's McDonald Fellowships
- Funding Amount: €55,000 per year (for two years).
- The grant is paid to the host institution and used to support the fellow.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements:
Candidates must:
- Hold a postgraduate degree (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in a field relevant to multiple sclerosis.
- Be citizens of a low- or middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank).
- Focus their research on an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.
Additional Requirements:
Candidates must also meet one of the following conditions:
- Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of application.
- Be working or studying in another country on a project that started within six months prior to the application.
- Be studying in another country on a Du Pré grant project supported by MSIF.
📝 Application Process
Important Notes:
- This is a joint application between the applicant and the host institution.
- Candidates must identify a suitable project and host supervisor before applying.
Steps to Apply:
- Identify your project and field of interest.
- Contact and agree on the project proposal with your host (project supervisor in a lab or clinic).
- Complete all sections of the online application form.
- After submission, the host will be contacted to provide a supporting statement using the same application form.
- Request three referees to send their reference letters to research@msif.org before the deadline.
- Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of the award.
Deadlines:
- Application Deadline: December 01, 2025
- Host Supporting Statement Deadline: December 01, 2025
- Reference Letters Deadline: December 01, 2025
Applicants will be informed of the results after all applications are reviewed.
📅 Timeline
- Applications Open: July 01, 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: Within 12 months of being awarded funding.
📧 Contact Information
For any inquiries, please contact:
Email: research@msif.org
🌐 Application Portal
- View details of MSIF's McDonald Fellowships.
- Apply through the online application form.
This fellowship is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of multiple sclerosis research while building global networks and expertise. Don't miss the chance to make a meaningful impact!
- 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.
