MS International Federation McDonald Fellowships 2026 (up to €55,000) Deadline: 1 July, 2025

Applications are open for the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowships 2026. The McDonald Fellowship enables early career multiple sclerosis researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work in a research institution outside of their own country. 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.

Grant

• 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.  

Eligibility

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 application.
• Working or studying in another country on a project which started within the six months prior to application.
• Studying in another country on a Du Pré grant project supported MSIF.

Application

Deadline: July 1, 2025

• Identify your project and field of interest.
• Contact and agree the project proposal with your host (project supervisor in a lab or clinic).
• Applicant completes all sections of the online application form.
• After Applicant submits, the Host is contacted to submit a supporting statement using the same application form.
• Applicant asks the three referees to send their reference letters to research@msif.org before the deadline.
• Applicants must read the Terms and Conditions of the Award to understand requirements around reporting and payments.
• Applicants should pay close attention to the lay summary of the application. Advice on how to write a lay summary can be found at the bottom of this page.

For more information, visit MSIF McDonald Fellowships.