Are you a passionate early-career researcher from a low- or middle-income country working in the field of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? Here’s a transformative global opportunity you shouldn’t miss! The McDonald Fellowships 2026, offered by the MS International Federation (MSIF), provide a two-year fully funded international research placement at a world-class institution.
About the McDonald Fellowship
The McDonald Fellowship aims to empower early-career researchers by enabling them to gain new skills, collaborate internationally, and advance MS research or patient care in their home countries. Fellows will undertake a research project or gain expertise at an institution outside their home country, with a vision to bring back valuable knowledge and contribute locally.
- Program Duration: 2 years
- Funding Amount: €55,000 per year (paid to the host institution to support the fellow)
Two (02) named fellowships are also awarded:
- MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship (in partnership with ECTRIMS)
- MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship (in partnership with France Sclerose En Plaques).
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank
- Hold at least an MSc (preferably a PhD/MD) in a field related to MS
- Be involved in MS-related research
- Currently be working/studying in a low- or middle-income country, OR
- Studying abroad on an MSIF Du Pré grant, OR
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Working/studying abroad on a project that started within the last 6 months.
Important: This is a joint application between the applicant and a host supervisor from an institution outside the applicant’s home country. The project and supervisor must be confirmed before applying.
Programs Covered
The McDonald Fellowship supports early-career research in fields relevant to:
- Neurology
- Biomedical sciences
- MS diagnostics, treatment, or patient care
- Neuroscience and remyelination studies
It may also part-fund a PhD, if the applicant has already secured admission but lacks full funding.
Apply: https://www.msif.org/research/awards-grants-and-fellowships/mcdonald-fellowships/.
Application Timeline & Deadlines
Applications for the 2026 McDonald Fellowship will officially open on 1 July 2025. The final deadline to submit the complete application—including the online application form, host supervisor’s supporting statement, and all three reference letters—is 1 December 2025.