Empowering Global MS Research: McDonald Fellowship 2026 For Researchers From Low- And Middle-Income Countries -

About the McDonald Fellowship 2026

Are you a passionate early-career researcher committed to advancing knowledge and care in multiple sclerosis (MS)? The McDonald Fellowship 2026, offered by the MS International Federation (MSIF), is your gateway to a fully funded, two-year international research experience designed to enhance global MS research capacity.

The McDonald Fellowship 2026 supports talented researchers from low- and middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank) to undertake a two-year research placement in a laboratory or research center outside their home country. Funded by the MS International Federation (MSIF), the fellowship encourages international collaboration, promotes knowledge transfer, and builds research capacity in regions that are traditionally underrepresented in the MS research landscape.

Fellows are expected to return to their home countries after the placement, where they can apply their experience to advance MS research, clinical care, or advocacy within their local context.

Eligible Fields

The McDonald Fellowship 2026 is open to early-career researchers working in areas directly or indirectly related to multiple sclerosis. Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:

Neuroscience
Neurology
Immunology
Epidemiology
Clinical Sciences
Public Health (with a focus on MS)
Other relevant biomedical and healthcare disciplines

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the McDonald Fellowship 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:

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Hold a postgraduate degree—at minimum, an MSc. A PhD or MD is strongly preferred.
Be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country (based on World Bank classifications).
Conduct research focused on multiple sclerosis or a closely related topic.
Be in one of the following situations at the time of application:
- Currently living, working, or studying in a low- or middle-income country
- Working/studying abroad on an MS-related project that began within the last six months
- Participating in a Du Pré Grant project funded by MSIF

Selection Criteria

Applications for the McDonald Fellowship 2026 are evaluated by an international selection panel composed of MS researchers and individuals affected by the disease. Selection is based on:

Scientific quality and relevance of the proposed research
Applicant’s academic qualifications and research background
Level of support and mentorship from the host institution
The potential impact of the project on the applicant’s home country upon their return

Eligible Countries

Only applicants from low- and middle-income countries are eligible. These countries span Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East as per the World Bank’s income classifications.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following:

A completed online application form
Research proposal and project summary (including a lay summary)
Letter of support from the host supervisor
Three letters of recommendation sent by referees directly to: research@msif.org
CV and academic records
Agreement to the terms and conditions of the fellowship

Benefits of the McDonald Fellowship 2026

This is a fully funded opportunity offering:

€55,000 per year for a two-year period (total: €110,000), which covers:
- Travel costs to and from the host country
- Living expenses during the fellowship
- A contribution to the host institution for research-related costs
Research mentoring and collaboration with a globally recognized institution
Opportunity to publish and contribute meaningfully to global MS research

Fellows are required to submit an annual report and a final summary outlining project outcomes, publications, or other deliverables.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the McDonald Fellowship 2026:

Identify a host institution and contact a supervisor working in an MS-related field.
Discuss and finalize a research project in collaboration with the host supervisor.
Complete the online application form on the MSIF website.
Ensure your host supervisor submits a formal statement of support.
Ask three referees to send their reference letters directly to: research@msif.org
Prepare a lay summary of your project that explains its purpose and potential impact in simple terms.
Review and accept the terms and conditions before submission.

Note: The deadline for submitting applications, host institution statements, and referee letters is:
December 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM (your local time)