Deadline: June 30, 2021

Applications for the McDonald Fellowship 2021 are now open. 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.

Following the award, they expect applicants will be able to use the newly developed expertise and networks, continuing to undertake MS research and/or patient care in emerging countries. The McDonald Fellowship marks the memory of Professor Ian McDonald and is offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF). The fellowship is for promising young researchers conducting research into multiple sclerosis.

Fellowship

• The fellowship consists of a two-year grant, 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.

Eligibility

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 nomination.
• Working or studying in another country on a project which started within the six months prior to nomination.
• Studying in another country on a project supported by an MS International Federation grant.

Candidates are expected to return to their own countries at the end of the study period where they will contribute to advancing care and research in MS. The fellowship may also be used as a supplement for work related to MS by a candidate who has been accepted for training in a recognised institute (within the six months prior to nomination) but who doesn’t have enough money to cover the total cost.

Application

• Complete all sections of the online application form
• The Host needs to provide a supporting statement at the end of the application.
• Add names and contact details of 3 referees, including the applicant’s current supervisor or employer.
• Ask referees to submit reference letters to research@msif.org before the deadline.

The host supporting statement is filled in once the Applicant has submitted their application. The proposed host will then be emailed with instructions to fill in the supporting statement in the application form in text only. This must be done before the deadline.

For more information, visit McDonald Fellowships.