The MS International Federation’s prestigious McDonald Fellowships offer a fully-funded 2-year research placement for early-career scientists from low- and middle-income countries. Fellows will train at leading institutions abroad—often in the UK—specializing in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research, including neurology, neuroimmunology, or epidemiology ↚
Advance MS Research with the McDonald Fellowships 2026 (UK & Global)
Who Should Apply
- Citizens of World Bank-defined LMICs currently working or studying in MS research
- Holders of at least an MSc degree—PhD/MD preferred—in an MS-relevant field
- Applicants must secure a host supervisor and project at an institution outside their home country before applying
- Commit to returning home after the fellowship to build MS care/research capacity in their country
Fellowship Benefits
- €55,000 per year for 2 years, paid to the host institution to cover salary, travel, accommodation, research expenses, insurance, and subsistence
- Option to part-fund a PhD if accepted within 6 months of application
- Affiliation with high-impact organizations via ECTRIMS (MSIF-ECTRIMS) or FranceSEP (MSIF-FRANCESEP) partnerships
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Application Timeline & Process
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Applications open: 1 July 2025
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Deadline: 1 December 2025 (form, host statement, referees must be submitted by then)
Steps:
- Identify project and host supervisor
- Complete MSIF online form (CV, transcripts, proposal, 500‑word lay summary)
- Host submits supporting statement
- Three referees submit letters to
Reporting Requirements
- Mid-term report after Year 1 to unlock Year 2 funding
- Final completion report and expenditure breakdown
- Requirement to acknowledge MSIF in any publications or presentations from fellowship research
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Application Tips
- Begin reaching out to potential supervisors early
- Draft a clear, accessible lay summary—limit to 500 words
- Secure strong references and ensure timely host support
- Emphasize impact: highlight how your skills will return to benefit local MS care
Why It Matters
This fellowship offers research excellence, international mentorship, and capacity-building—empowering scientists from LMICs to drive MS care and science in their home countries. With high-level support and resources, it’s a transformative pathway for ambitious early-career MS researchers.
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