Published: 04 May 2023 564 views
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. We are open to applications for virtual or local projects to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the visit or virtual project, 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 MS International Federation is a unique global network of MS organisations, people affected by MS, volunteers and staff from around the world. Our movement is made up of 47 MS organisations with links to many others. Our vision is a world without MS Our mission is to inspire, mobilise and bring the world together to improve the quality of life of everybody affected by MS and to end MS forever Why does it matter? Our Atlas of MS shows that around 2.8 million people worldwide are living with MS. Many of these people have little access to support ... continue reading
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. *For 2023 we are more flexible on the use of funds if virtual projects are proposed.
Provided that it is safe to travel amid the pandemic, we expect that part of the second-year grant to the host institution will be used to cover the candidate’s expenses to attend the annual congress of ECTRIMS, the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS.
One Fellowship is awarded in partnership with ECTRIMS and is known as the MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship.
Another Fellowship is awarded in partnership with MSIF’s member, ARSEP, The Fondation pour l’Aide à la Recherche sur la Sclérose En Plaques. This is known as the MSIF-ARSEP McDonald Fellowship.
Candidates must also be in one of the following situations:
Those who previously have held a Du Pré grant are eligible to subsequently apply for a McDonald Fellowship, but not the other way round.
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.
Candidates and Host supervisors are required to read and sign the Terms and Conditions of the award (see below).
The application deadline, including the online application form, reference letters, and supporting statement from the host, is June 30, 2023.
You must submit your application with sufficient time for the proposed host to read through your application and provide a supporting statement. It is advised to give at least two weeks for your host to complete this. Equally, you must ask your referees to send a reference letter to research{at}msif{dot}org before the deadline. Applications will be rejected if host statement or references are not received before 30 June.
Applicants will be informed in September whether they were successful.
*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.
