2026 MSIF's McDonald Fellowships for Early Career Researchers

The McDonald Fellowship enables early career multiple sclerosis researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work in a research institution outside of their own country. During the visit, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects.

Following the award, we expect applicants will be able to use the newly developed expertise and networks, continuing to undertake MS research and/or patient care in low- and middle-income countries.

The fellowship payment is a two-year grant, consisting of 55,000 EUR per year, paid to the host institution and then used to pay the fellow.  

• Table of Content
• About MS International Federation
• MSIF Research Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of MSIF Research Fellowship
• Requirements for MSIF Research Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About MS International Federation

We are a unique global network of MS organisations with 47 members from around the world, and links to many others. MSIF is the global movement of MS organisations, by and for people affected by MS. We network, learn from each other, mobilise and enable global collaborations, to achieve the vital goals that can only be reached by coming together as a movement. We, the Federation, are made up of national MS organisations (including their staff, volunteers and MS communities), the MSIF staff, board and committees.... continue reading

MSIF Research Fellowship

Application Deadline	01 Dec 2025
Value	£55,000
Type	Fellowship
Sponsor	MS International Federation
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of MSIF Research Fellowship

The fellowship payment is a two-year grant, consisting of 55,000 EUR per year, paid to the host institution and then used to pay the fellow.  

Requirements for MSIF Research Fellowship Qualification

All candidates must:

• Be educated to post graduate level (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.
• Be citizens of a low- or middle-income country (all countries with a low, lower middle or upper middle income as defined by the World Bank)
• Focus their research in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.

Candidates must also be in one of the following situations:

• Working or studying in a low- or middle-income country (all countries with a low, lower middle or upper middle income as defined by the World Bank) at the time of application.
• Working or studying in another country on a project which started within the six months prior to application.
• Studying in another country on a Du Pré grant project supported MSIF.

Application Deadline

December 1, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to MS International Federation on admin.msif2.org to apply

Apply through the application website.

• Identify your project and field of interest.
• Contact and agree the project proposal with your host (project supervisor in a lab or clinic).
• Applicant completes all sections of the online application form.
• After Applicant submits, the Host is contacted to submit a supporting statement* using the same application form.
• Applicant asks the three referees to send their reference letters to [email protected]  before the deadline.
• Applicants must read the Terms and Conditions of the Award to understand requirements around reporting and payments.

For more details, visit MS International Federation Fellowship webpage