McDonald Fellowships 2026 in UK Universities (Fully Funded)
Are you an early-career researcher passionate about transforming the future of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) care? The McDonald Fellowships 2026, offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), provide a life-changing opportunity for researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to undertake groundbreaking research in neuroimmunology, epidemiology, and other MS-related fields.
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Program Overview
The McDonald Fellowships are two-year fully funded placements that allow researchers to work with top UK universities and global mentors, building skills to improve MS care in resource-limited regions.
●Host Institution: Leading UK universities
●Location: United Kingdom
●Opening Date: 1 July 2025
●Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
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Types of Fellowships
1.MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship: Collaboration with ECTRIMS.
2.MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship: Supported by FranceSEP.
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Eligibility Criteria
●Citizenship: Must be from a low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income country (World Bank classification).
●Academic Qualifications: Minimum MSc, with preference for PhD or MD holders.
●Research Focus: Active or intending to conduct MS-relevant research in an LMIC.
●Prior Experience: Priority to those recently starting research abroad or currently involved in MSIF-funded projects.
Special Considerations:
●Women researchers, indigenous scholars, and applicants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are encouraged to apply.
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Supported Research Areas
●Neurology and Neurodegeneration
●Remyelination and Demyelination Mechanisms
●MS Epidemiology and Public Health
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Fellowship Benefits
●Stipend: €55,000 annually for salary and research expenses (paid to the host institution).
●Placement: Two-year international research opportunity.
●Networking: Access to global MS research collaborations and mentors.
●Impact: Learn techniques to improve MS care in your home country.
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Application Process
1.Secure a Host Supervisor: Identify a UK-based mentor and define your research project.
2.Online Application: Complete the application on the MSIF portal (opens 1 July 2025).
3.Submit Supporting Documents:
●500-word lay summary of your research goals.
●Host’s statement of support.
●Three reference letters sent to research@msif.org.
Deadlines:
●Application and supporting materials: 1 December 2025
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Tips for the Lay Summary
●Use clear, non-technical language to explain your project.
●Emphasize the impact on MS care in your region.
●Make the content accessible by using analogies and plain language.
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Post-Fellowship Requirements
●Submit a Year 1 progress report for continued funding.
●Provide a final report and expense summary.
●Share copies of publications or conference presentations.
●Acknowledge the MSIF McDonald Fellowship in all outputs.
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This fellowship is a rare opportunity for researchers to gain world-class training, network globally, and directly impact MS care in underserved regions.
🔗 For more details and application link: Visit the official MSIF Fellowship page.
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