McDonald Fellowship 2026 by MS International Federation
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.
MSIF is the global movement of MS organisations, by and for people affected by MS. The organisation networks, learns from each other, mobilises and enables global collaborations to achieve the vital goals that can only be reached by coming together as a movement.
The Federation is made up of national MS organisations (including their staff, volunteers, and MS communities), the MSIF staff, boar,d and committees.
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.
Fellowship SummaryÂ
- Type: Fellowships
- Hosted by: McDonald
- Eligible Countries: Low- and middle-income countries
- Benefits: The fellowship consists of a two-year grant, around €55,000 per year, to cover travel and living costs, and an additional contribution to the host institution
- Deadline: December 1, 2025
Requirements for the McDonald Fellowship 2026
To be considered for the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowship, you 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 Guidelines for the McDonald Fellowship 2026
- 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.
- Applicants should pay close attention to the lay summary of the application. Advice on how to write a lay summary can be found at the bottom of this page.
Deadline: 1st December, 2025
