2021 McDonald Scholarship – Fully Funded: (Deadline 30 June 2021)

The 2021 McDonald Scholarship enables early career multiple sclerosis researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work in a research institution outside of their own country. 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.

This is a joint application from the applicant and host. Before nomination, candidates need to have identified a suitable project and host supervisor at an institution outside of their own country.

*For 2021, the host can also be identified within the applicant’s home country or neighboring countries (if travel laws allow it in the country), provided there are sufficient resources (e.g. equipment, reagents…) and mentorship as well as an opportunity to learn new expertise and techniques.

Benefits of 2021 McDonald Scholarship

McDonald is Providing a Fully Funded Scholarship to International students. Details about the financial grant are given below:

• Selected Fellow holders will receive £30,000 GBP per year.
• A fellow’s institute will be receiving £2,000 GBP.
• Get a grant from a well-known international organization.
• Living and travel expenses can be easily adjusted in £30,000 GBP Funding.

Who is eligible?

All candidates must:

• Be educated to post graduate level (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis
• 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 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

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 fellowship 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.

How to apply:

• Complete all sections of the online application form
• The Host needs to provide a supporting statement at the end of the application*
• Add names and contact details of 3 referees, including the applicant’s current supervisor or employer
• Ask referees to submit reference letters to research{at}msif{dot}org before the deadline

*The host supporting statement is filled in once the Applicant has submitted their application. The proposed host will then be emailed with instructions to fill in the supporting statement in the application form in text only. This must be done before the deadline. 

What is the deadline?

The application deadline, including the online form, reference letters, and supporting statement from the host, is June 30, 2021.

You must submit your application with sufficient time for the proposed host to read through your application and provide a supporting statement. It is advised to give at least two weeks for your host to complete this. Equally, you must ask your referees to send a reference letter to research{at}msif{dot}org before the deadline. Applications will be rejected if host statement or references are not received before 30 June.

• Deadline of application: 30 June
• Deadline of Host Supporting Statement: 30 June
• Deadline of References: 30 June

Applicants will be informed in September whether they were successful.