Are you an early career researcher passionate about multiple sclerosis (MS) research? The McDonald Fellowship presents a unique opportunity for researchers from low- and middle-income countries to broaden their expertise and contribute to global MS research efforts. Here’s all you need to know about this prestigious fellowship and how to apply:
Applications for the McDonald Fellowships are now open – closing date 30 June 2024
What is McDonald Fellowship.. ?
The McDonald Fellowship is awarded for the opportunity to work in a research institution in another country outside the MS researcher’s home country. The goal of this fellowship is to acquire additional specialization or jointly conduct research with other scientists. Upon completion, the fellows return to their country of origin and utilize the new knowledge and contacts to advance MS research in their home countries. Each fellowship is for two years and amounts to about GBP 30,000 per year to cover travel, living expenses, and a contribution to the host institution. During the second year, we include a specific grant to cover out-of-pocket expenses for attending the annual ECTRIMS congress, thereby facilitating further networking and enhancing the grants received.
Eligibility Criteria :
To be eligible for the McDonald Fellowship, candidates must:
- Hold at least a postgraduate degree (MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in a field relevant to MS.
- Be citizens of a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank.
- Focus their research on areas relevant to MS.
Candidates should be either working or studying in a qualifying country at the time of application or within the six months prior. The fellowship may also partially fund a Ph.D. program for eligible candidates.
How to Apply :
Applying for the McDonald Fellowship involves several steps:
- Identify a suitable project and host institution outside your home country.
- Collaborate with your host to develop a project proposal.
- Complete the online application form, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately.
- Request supporting statements from your host and three referees.
- Submit all required documents before the application deadline of 30 June 2024.
Similarly, you must ask your referees to send a reference letter to research@msif.org before the deadline. If the host statement and references are not received before 30 June, we will reject the application. You must submit a short report at the end of the first year of the fellowship. We will base second-year funding on the submission of this report. You must also submit a final report and expenditure summary at the end of the fellowship. Additionally, you should submit electronic copies of all reports, papers, abstracts, and posters resulting from the visit. Any papers produced from or related to McDonald Fellowship-funded research must acknowledge the fellowship and include the address of the MS International Federation’s website: www.msif.org.
Important Dates :
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2024
- Host Supporting Statement Deadline: 30 June 2024
- References Deadline: 30 June 2024
Successful applicants will be notified in October.
Support and Contacts :
For assistance with identifying potential host institutions or any inquiries regarding the fellowship, please contact the MSIF research team using the provided form.
We extend our gratitude to our partner organizations, ECTRIMS and ARSEP, for their invaluable support in making these fellowships possible.
Lay Summary :
As part of the application process, candidates are required to provide a 500-word lay summary explaining their research proposal in simple terms. Tips for crafting an effective lay summary are provided to ensure clarity and accessibility.
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your horizons and contribute to the global fight against MS. Apply for the McDonald Fellowship today!
Official Link
Application Link
For other scholarships in Europe, you can explore our scholarship section.
