MSIF McDonald Fellowships 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you're an early‑career researcher from a low- or middle‑income country with a passion for multiple sclerosis (MS) research and global impact, the 2026 McDonald Fellowships are officially open for applications! Launched by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), in partnership with ECTRIMS and France Sclérose En Plaques, this fully-funded programme supports two years of MS-focused research training at top international institutions.
📚 Fellowship Summary
Location: Host research institution outside your home country
Host Institutions: Any recognized MS research centre identified by applicant and host
Academic Level: Early-career MS researchers (MSc, PhD, MD)
Target Group: Citizens of low- or middle‑income countries (World Bank definition) working/studying on MS research
Fields of Study: Clinical, neuroimaging, epidemiology, biomedical sciencremyelination, patient care, and more related to MS
Value & Coverage: €55,000 per year for two years (total €110,000) — paid to host institution to fund salary, research, travel, and project costs
Duration: 2 years
Application Deadline: 1 December 2025 (including host statement and reference letters)
Application Opens: 1 July 2025
Start Date: Within 12 months of award (typically mid‑2026)
Eligible To: Researchers from LMICs with MSc or higher in MS‑related fields, currently working/studying in an LMIC or started abroad project <6 months prior
🎓McDonald Fellowship Overview
The McDonald Fellowship is designed to empower researchers through:
International Placement: Conduct joint research or gain skills at a host institution abroad.
Special Fellowship Streams:
MSIF‑ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship (in partnership with ECTRIMS)
MSIF‑FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship (in partnership with FranceSEP)
Integration into Scientific Community: Fellows gain access to global MS networks; MSIF‑ECTRIMS awardees are invited to attend the ECTRIMS annual congress
Support for Building Capacity: Fellows are expected to use newly acquired skills and networks to improve MS research and care after returning home
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
€55K/year for 2 years, covering living costs, research expenses, salary, and travel (funds disbursed via host institution)
Professional Growth: Mentorship, training, and integration into top MS research centers
Networking and Research Dissemination: Opportunity to attend ECTRIMS congress and collaborate on international projects
PhD Support: Can partially fund a PhD if the candidate has secured admission within 6 months before applying
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country (per World Bank)
Hold at least an MSc, preferably PhD or MD, in an MS-relevant field
Be actively working or studying in an LMIC, or abroad on an MS project started within 6 months, or on an MSIF Du Pré grant
Have identified and secured a host supervisor and project at an international institution before applying
Agree to return home and contribute to building MS research capacity after the fellowship
📝 Application Procedure
Step 1: Prepare project & host
Identify a suitable host institution and supervisor abroad and agree a project scope.
Step 2: Submit online application
Complete the form on MSIF’s application portal from 1 July 2025
Provide your CV, academic transcripts, project proposal, and a 500‑word lay summary
Step 3: Host & references
Host supervisor submits a supporting statement via the portal
Arrange for three referees to email reference letters to research@msif.org before 1 December 2025
Step 4: Read terms closely
Ensure understanding of MSIF’s Terms & Conditions, including reporting obligations
Step 5: Submit before deadline
All materials due by 1 December 2025
🧩 Reporting & Requirements
Mid-year report after Year 1; Year 2 funding is contingent on it
Final report & expenditure summary due upon completion
Publishable outputs (papers, posters, etc.) must acknowledge MSIF support and include MSIF’s website
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
