Applications open on 1 July 2025 for the globally respected McDonald Fellowships 2026, UK (Fully Funded), offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF). This prestigious, fully funded two-year research fellowship is designed to empower early-career scientists and clinicians from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to advance their expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) research.
The program offers a unique opportunity to undertake a research project or training placement at a leading institution outside your home country, gaining access to expert mentorship, cutting-edge facilities, and international networks that support impactful MS research.
]📌 Details For McDonald Fellowships 2026, UK (Fully Funded)
Program Name: McDonald Fellowships 2026
Organized By: Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF)
Fellowship Duration: 2 years
Application Opens: 1 July 2025
Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
Host Country: Institutions worldwide (outside applicant’s home country)
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Annual Fellowship Grant: €55,000 per year (paid to host institution)
]🎓 Available Fellowship Tracks
MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship
In partnership with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship
Supported by France Sclerose En Plaques (FranceSEP)
🔬 Eligible Research Areas FOR McDonald Fellowships 2026, UK (Fully Funded)
Applicants must propose a project aligned with multiple sclerosis research, which may include:
Neuroimmunology
Neurology and Neurodegeneration
Remyelination/Demyelination Mechanisms
Neurorehabilitation and MS care
MS Epidemiology & Public Health in LMICs
The fellowship can also partially support PhD programs already in progress, if admission occurred within the six months prior to application.
]💰 Fellowship Benefits
The McDonald Fellowship provides:
A 2-year research placement in a world-class lab or clinical setting abroad
€55,000 annually, disbursed to the host institution for salary and research expenses
Access to global research networks and training resources
Long-term mentorship and professional development
Post-fellowship reintegration, allowing fellows to contribute back to MS care in their home countries
🌍 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2026 McDonald Fellowship, applicants must:
🏳️ Be citizens of a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country as classified by the World Bank
🎓 Hold a postgraduate degree (minimum MSc; PhD or MD preferred)
🧪 Have a research focus relevant to multiple sclerosis
🌐 Be working/studying in an LMIC, OR
Have begun research abroad within the previous 6 months, OR
Be completing an MSIF-funded Du Pré Grant
🗣️ Be fluent in English (working language for the fellowship)
Special Encouragement:
Applicants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), women, and indigenous researchers are especially encouraged to apply to ensure inclusive participation.
📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Find a host institution and supervisor overseas who agrees to support your research project
Access and complete the online application on the MSIF Fellowship Portal (opens 1 July 2025)
Submit a Lay Summary (500 words) describing your research in simple, non-technical language
Ask your host supervisor to submit a supporting statement via the MSIF system
Arrange for three references to send recommendation letters directly to:
📧 research@msif.org
Important Deadlines:
Application Form Deadline: 1 December 2025
Host Statement Deadline: 1 December 2025
Reference Letters Deadline: 1 December 2025
📢 Tips for the Lay Summary (500 Words)
Your lay summary should be:
Written in clear, jargon-free language
Focused on the relevance and potential impact of your research
Rich in analogies and relatable examples
Easy to understand by non-experts
✅ Optional: Submit your draft to MSIF for feedback before final submission.
]📄 Post-Fellowship Expectations]
After completing the fellowship, awardees must:
Submit a Year 1 progress report (to unlock Year 2 funding)
Provide a final report, including a summary of expenses
Share any research outputs (papers, posters, presentations)
Acknowledge MSIF McDonald Fellowship in all publications
🌐 Program Partners
ECTRIMS – Europe’s leading platform for MS treatment and research
FranceSEP – A key French organization dedicated to MS support and research
🎯 Advance Your Global MS Research Career
The McDonald Fellowships 2026 are a life-changing opportunity for researchers in LMICs who are passionate about improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis. Through international collaboration, hands-on experience, and top-tier mentorship, fellows return home better equipped to lead groundbreaking research and care initiatives.
If you’re ready to transform your career and make a global impact in MS, prepare your application and apply starting 1 July 2025.