2024 Macdonald Fellowship: Research Opportunity for Young Scholars from Low- and Middle-Income Nations

The McDonald Fellowship offers early career researchers in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) from low- and middle-income countries the opportunity to conduct research at a foreign institution. During their visit, participants either acquire specialized knowledge or contribute to collaborative research projects.

Upon receiving the fellowship, we anticipate that applicants will utilize their newly acquired expertise and professional networks to continue their work in MS research and/or patient care in low- and middle-income countries.

The fellowship includes a two-year grant, offering approximately £30,000 GBP annually to cover expenses related to travel and living, along with an extra contribution of £2,000 GBP per year to the hosting institution. It is expected that part of the second-year grant allocated to the host institution will be utilized to cover the candidate’s expenses to attend the annual ECTRIMS congress, organized by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS.

Eligibility Criteria:

All applicants must:

Hold a postgraduate degree (at least an MSc, preferably a PhD /MD) in a field relevant to multiple sclerosis.
Be nationals of a country classified as low- or middle-income according to the World Bank’s criteria.
Focus their research on an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.

Candidates must also fall into one of the following categories:

Currently working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of application.
Working or studying in another country on a project initiated six months before the application.
Studying in another country as part of a Du Pré grant project supported by MSIF.

How to Apply:

Submit your application via the designated application portal.
Specify your project and field of interest.
Collaborate with your host (project supervisor in a laboratory or clinic) to develop the project proposal.
Complete all sections of the online application form.
After submission, the host will be contacted to provide a supporting statement through the same application form.
Request that three referees provide their reference letters to research@msif.org before the June 30 deadline.
Applicants are required to review the Terms and Conditions of the Award to understand the reporting and payment requirements.
Ensure careful consideration of the lay summary section of the application. Guidance on writing a lay summary can be found at the bottom of this page.