McDonald Fellowships 2026, UK (Fully Funded)

The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) is inviting applications for the prestigious McDonald Fellowships, opening on 1 July. These two-year, fully funded fellowships support early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries who are working in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The application deadline is 1 December, and the fellowship enables awardees to undertake a research project or training placement at an institution outside their home country, helping them gain expertise and expand international research networks in MS.

Types of McDonald Fellowships Offered

Two fellowships are offered in partnership with global organizations:

1. MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship: In collaboration with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)
2. MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship: Supported by France Sclerose En Plaques (FranceSEP)

The McDonald Fellowship aims to build research capacity in countries where multiple sclerosis research and treatment resources are limited, by providing young scientists with:

1. A 2-year funded placement at a host institution abroad
2. An annual stipend of €55,000, paid to the host institution to cover the fellow’s salary and expenses
3. Access to global MS research collaborations and mentorship
4. Opportunities to return home and continue MS research and/or clinical work with newly acquired knowledge

• Fellowship

Research Focus Areas Supported by the Fellowship

Projects must be in a field relevant to multiple sclerosis, such as:

1. Neuroimmunology
2. Neurology and Neurodegeneration
3. Remyelination and demyelination mechanisms
4. Neurorehabilitation
5. MS epidemiology and public health in LMICs

The fellowship may also support part-funding for PhD programs that have already started, provided the applicant has been accepted into the program within the six months prior to application.

Open to applicants from low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country as defined by the World Bank. 

Applicants must:

1. Be citizens of a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country as defined by the World Bank
2. Hold a postgraduate degree (at least MSc, preferably PhD or MD)
3. Be focused on a research area relevant to multiple sclerosis
4. Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country, OR
5. Have started a research project abroad within six months before applying, OR
6. Be completing a Du Pré Grant-funded MSIF project

Women and indigenous researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Priority is given to applicants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

This is a joint application between the candidate and a host supervisor at an overseas institution.

Steps to Apply:

1. Identify a host supervisor and agree on a research project.
2. Complete the online application form on the MSIF portal (opens 1 July).
3. Submit a lay summary of your research (500 words).
4. Ask your host to provide a supporting statement via the application system.
5. Arrange for three referees to send reference letters to: [email protected]

Application Deadline: 1 December 

Host Supporting Statement Deadline: 1 December

Reference Letter Deadline: 1 December 

Note: Deadlines may vary each year visit official website for latest updates.

Visit MSIF’s Fellowship Page for full details

Lay Summary Requirements (500 Words)

Applicants must include a lay summary written in simple, non-technical language. Tips:

1. Clearly explain your research topic and why it matters
2. Use analogies and simple terms to describe MS-related concepts
3. Provide concrete examples and focus on the expected impact on people with MS
4. Test your summary on someone outside the field for clarity

You may submit the summary for feedback to the MSIF team before finalizing.

Post-Fellowship Expectations

After completion, fellows must submit:

1. A year 1 progress report (required for 2nd year funding)
2. A final report and expense summary
3. Copies of any papers, posters, or abstracts produced
4. Proper acknowledgment of the MSIF McDonald Fellowship in all related publications

Partners Supporting the McDonald Fellowship

1. ECTRIMS – The leading European platform for MS research
2. FranceSEP – A prominent French MS organization supporting global research

Conclusion: Advance Your MS Research Career Internationally

The McDonald Fellowships 2026 offer a life-changing opportunity for talented researchers from low- and middle-income countries to pursue world-class MS research training abroad. If you’re committed to improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis in your country, don’t miss this chance to gain international experience, expand your network, and drive innovation in MS research.