McDonald Fellowships 2026: Advancing Global MS Research Through International Collaboration
Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
The McDonald Fellowships, administered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), provide early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries the opportunity to conduct advanced research in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) at institutions outside their home countries. This initiative reflects MSIF’s commitment to building global capacity in MS research and fostering collaboration across international borders.
Fellowship Overview
The McDonald Fellowship supports two-year placements at research institutions for scientists from countries with limited resources, as classified by the World Bank. The programme offers a total of €55,000 per year, which is paid directly to the host institution and allocated for the fellow’s living costs and project-related expenses. Additionally, the fellowship covers one return airfare between the fellow’s home country and the host country.
The initiative is designed not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to build sustainable capacity in MS care and research. Following the fellowship, recipients are expected to return to their home countries to apply their newly acquired expertise, contributing to the development of MS research, patient care, and advocacy in their regions.
Strategic Partnerships
Two of the McDonald Fellowships are awarded in collaboration with key partners:
- MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship, delivered in partnership with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).
- MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship, supported by France Sclérose en Plaques (FranceSEP), MSIF’s member organization in France.
These partnerships reinforce the programme’s reach and scientific integrity by connecting researchers with well-established MS research communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the McDonald Fellowship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold at least a postgraduate degree (MSc minimum; PhD or MD preferred) in a field relevant to MS.
- Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank.
- Be actively involved in MS-related research or clinical care.
- Be currently based in a low- or middle-income country, or have begun a project in another country within six months of the application date.
Applicants who have previously received an MSIF Du Pré Grant are eligible to apply.
The fellowship may also be used to supplement a PhD programme, provided the applicant has already secured admission into the programme within six months prior to application but lacks sufficient funding for its full duration.
Application Process
Applications are submitted jointly by the applicant and a designated host supervisor. Before applying, candidates must:
- Identify a suitable project aligned with MS research.
- Secure a host supervisor at an institution outside their home country.
- Finalize and agree on the project proposal with the host.
- Complete the online application form on the dedicated application platform.
Once the applicant submits their section, the host supervisor will be contacted to provide a supporting statement directly through the platform. Additionally, three referees must email letters of reference to [email protected] before the application deadline.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 1 December 2025
- Host supporting statement deadline: 1 December 2025
- Reference letters deadline: 1 December 2025
It is strongly recommended that applicants allow sufficient time—at least two weeks—for their host supervisor and referees to complete their components.
Evaluation and Award
All submitted applications are reviewed by MSIF’s Fellowship Panel, which includes leading MS researchers, clinicians, and individuals affected by MS. Fellowships are awarded based on scientific merit, potential for impact in the home country, and alignment with MSIF’s mission.
Reporting and Follow-Up
Awardees are required to submit a progress report at the end of the first year. Continued funding for the second year is contingent upon the submission of this report. A final report and expenditure summary are due at the end of the fellowship. Fellows must also provide electronic copies of any publications, conference presentations, or posters that result from the research. All published outputs should acknowledge the McDonald Fellowship and refer to the MSIF website: www.msif.org.
Lay Summary Guidance
A key component of the application is a 500-word lay summary, which should explain the research in accessible language for a non-scientific audience. MSIF encourages applicants to test their summary on someone unfamiliar with MS and to use analogies and plain language where appropriate. Feedback from the MSIF research team is available upon request before submission.
Contact and Support
For further inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact the MSIF research team via the contact form on the MSIF website, selecting “Research grants and awards.”
MSIF acknowledges the invaluable support of ECTRIMS and FRANCESEP in making these fellowships possible. These collaborations not only fund critical research but also strengthen global networks of MS professionals.
For detailed information and to apply, visit McDonald Fellowship official website.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the McDonald organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
