MSIF’s McDonald Fellowships fund 2-year research placements, in the memory of Professor Ian McDonald. 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.
*For 2021 McDonald Fellowships are open to applications for virtual or local projects to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19. During the visit or virtual project, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects.
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 low- and middle-income countries.
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 2021 McDonald Fellowships are more flexible on the use of funds if virtual projects are proposed
Provided that it is safe to travel amid the pandemic, they 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 RIMS, 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.
Benefits
- The maximum amount of the grant is £30,000 GBP per year, with an additional contribution of £2,000 GBP to the host institution.
- All travel and living expenses of the grantees will be covered by the fellowship up to £30,000 GBP
Eligibilities
Candidates must:
- Be educated to postgraduate 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.
Eligible Regions: All countries with a low, lower-middle or upper middle income as defined by the World Bank