Are you an early career researcher from a low- or middle-income country who wants to advance your knowledge and skills in multiple sclerosis (MS) research? Do you have a passion for finding solutions to the challenges faced by people living with MS? If yes, then you might be interested in applying for the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship 2024.

The MS International Federation (MSIF) is a global network of MS organizations, researchers, clinicians, and people affected by MS. MSIF’s mission is to lead the global MS movement to improve the quality of life of people affected by MS, and to support better understanding and treatment of MS by facilitating international cooperation and scientific research.

One of the ways MSIF supports MS research is through the McDonald Fellowship, which enables early career MS researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work in a research institution outside of their own country for two years. During the fellowship, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects in collaboration with their host institution. The fellowship also provides opportunities for networking, mentoring, and attending international conferences.

The McDonald Fellowship is named after Professor Ian McDonald, a pioneer in MS research and the founder of MSIF. The fellowship aims to honor his legacy and vision of fostering MS research across the globe.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the McDonald Fellowship 2024, you must:

• Be educated to postgraduate level (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in an area relevant to MS.
• Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank).
• Focus your research in an area relevant to MS.
• Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of application, or working or studying in another country on a project that started within the six months prior to application, or studying in another country on a Du Pré grant project supported by MSIF.
• Have an agreement from a host institution outside of your own country, where you will work or study under the supervision of a senior researcher.
• Have a project proposal that is approved by both your home and host institutions.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The McDonald Fellowship consists of a two-year grant of around £30,000 GBP per year, to cover travel and living costs, and an additional contribution of £2,000 GBP per year to the host institution. The fellowship also covers the expenses for attending the annual congress of ECTRIMS, the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS, where you can present your research and network with other MS experts.

The fellowship can help you to:

• Develop new skills and expertise in MS research.
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and resources at your host institution.
• Collaborate with leading MS researchers and clinicians.
• Build your professional network and reputation in the MS community.
• Contribute to advancing MS care and research in your own country and region.

How to Apply

The application process for the McDonald Fellowship 2024 is as follows:

• Identify your project and field of interest.
• Contact and agree the project proposal with your host institution and supervisor.
• Complete all sections of the online application form on the MSIF website.
• Ask your host supervisor to submit a supporting statement using the same application form.
• Ask three referees to send their reference letters to research@msif.org before the deadline.

The deadline for applications is 30 June 2024. Please ensure you carefully check the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions before starting your application. We strongly recommend you contact us before applying to discuss whether your proposal is in remit for this fellowship scheme.

You can also check here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about the McDonald Fellowship 2024:

• Q: How many fellowships are available?
• A: MSIF awards up to three fellowships per year. One fellowship is awarded in partnership with ECTRIMS and is known as the MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship. Another fellowship is awarded in partnership with MSIF’s member, ARSEP, The Fondation pour l’Aide à la Recherche sur la Sclérose En Plaques. This is known as the MSIF-ARSEP McDonald Fellowship.
• Q: What are the selection criteria for the fellowship?
• A: The selection criteria for the fellowship are based on the quality and relevance of the project proposal, the academic and professional qualifications of the applicant, the potential impact of the fellowship on the applicant’s career and on MS research and care in their own country, and the availability of funds.
• Q: When will I know the outcome of my application?
• A: The outcome of the application will be communicated to the applicants by the end of September 2024.
• Q: What are the expectations and obligations of the fellowship recipients?
• A: The fellowship recipients are expected to:
  • Carry out the agreed project proposal at the host institution for two years, under the guidance of the host supervisor.
  • Submit progress reports every six months to MSIF and the host institution.
  • Attend and present their research at the ECTRIMS congress each year.
  • Acknowledge the support of MSIF and its partners in any publications or presentations resulting from the fellowship.
  • Return to their own country at the end of the fellowship and continue to work or study in MS research and/or care.
  • Maintain contact with MSIF and share their achievements and challenges.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or queries about the McDonald Fellowship 2024, please do not hesitate to contact us at research@msif.org. We are happy to assist you and provide you with more information.

We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your MS research journey. Good luck!