The McDonald Fellowships are funded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and support early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries to build expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) research. The award funds a research placement of up to 2 years at a host institution outside the fellow's home country, with the aim of strengthening research capacity in under-resourced regions and returning that expertise home. Funding is set at 50,000 GBP per year (about 58,000 EUR (est.)) paid to the host institution, covering the fellow's salary and research-related costs across the 2-year placement. Two specialised tracks exist: the MSIF-ECTRIMS Fellowship, run with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS, and the MSIF-FranceSEP Fellowship, supported by France Sclerose En Plaques. Eligible fields include neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration, remyelination, neurorehabilitation, and MS epidemiology in low- and middle-income countries; the award can also co-fund a PhD that began up to 6 months before applying. A recent cycle opened applications on 1 July and closed on 1 December, and the 2026 round is expected to follow a similar window. Because the funding amount, eligible-country list, and deadlines are reset each year, confirm the current-cycle figures on the official MSIF page before you apply.
Applications are submitted online through the MSIF portal once a host supervisor has agreed to host the project; references and a host statement are submitted separately.
Women and indigenous researchers are encouraged to apply, and priority is given to candidates from Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. The fellowship may co-fund a PhD that began up to 6 months before application.
Low-income countries (World Bank), Lower-middle-income countries (World Bank), Upper-middle-income countries (World Bank)
MSIF assesses applications on the scientific quality and relevance of the proposed MS research, the strength of the host placement and supervision, the applicant's track record and potential, and the likely impact on research capacity in the fellow's home country. Priority is given to applicants from Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) is a global network of MS organisations that funds research, supports people affected by multiple sclerosis, and runs fellowship and grant schemes to build MS research capacity worldwide.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Early-career researchers who are citizens of a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country (World Bank classification), hold at least a postgraduate degree, and work in MS-related research.
The award is 50,000 GBP per year (about 58,000 EUR (est.)) paid to the host institution for up to 2 years, covering salary and research expenses. Confirm the current figure on the MSIF site.
The fellowship runs for up to 2 years as a research placement at a host institution outside your home country.
Yes. You must secure a commitment from a host supervisor at a recognised institution before submitting your application.
Yes. If your PhD began within 6 months before applying, you may be eligible for co-funding through the fellowship.
The MSIF-ECTRIMS Fellowship (with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS) and the MSIF-FranceSEP Fellowship (supported by France Sclerose En Plaques).
Any MS-relevant research, including neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration, remyelination, neurorehabilitation, and MS epidemiology in lower-income countries.
Three referees must email their letters of support directly to MSIF as part of the application.
Yes. Fellows receive guidance to continue MS research or clinical work in their home country after the placement ends.
Yes. Fellows submit a year-one report to release continued funding, a final report and financial summary, and copies of publications, and must acknowledge MSIF support.
Women and indigenous researchers are encouraged, and priority is given to candidates from Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
A recent cycle closed on 1 December, with applications opening around 1 July. Confirm the current dates on the official MSIF page.