The MSIF McDonald Fellowships 2027 are some of the world’s leading international research opportunities for early career scientists working in the area of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The fellowship, run by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), provides financial support for talented researchers from low and middle income countries to undertake two year rotations at renowned research institutes outside their home country.
Named in honour of the renowned neurologist Professor W. Ian McDonald, the programme aims to strengthen global MS research by helping researchers to develop advanced scientific expertise, establish international collaborations and transfer new knowledge back to their home countries after completing the fellowship.
Each successful fellow receives financing of roughly €55,000 per year for two years, one of the most generous international fellowships available for early career MS researchers.
This detailed guide will walk you through all the information you should know about the MSIF McDonald Fellowships 2027 including benefits, eligibility, study areas, application process, selection criteria and application recommendations.
Also see: European Commission Blue Book Traineeship Programme 2027 – Applications Now Open
Quick Summary of ECOWAS Young Graduates Immersion Programme 2027
| Host Organization | Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) |
| Programme | MSIF McDonald Fellowships 2027 |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fellowship Type | International Research Fellowship |
| Benefits | Funding Approximately €55,000 per year |
| Eligible Applicants | Early career researchers from low and middle income countries |
| Host Institution | Research institution outside the applicant’s home country |
| Additional Support | Contribution to the host institution and one return flight |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
What Is the MSIF McDonald Fellowship?
The McDonald Fellowship permits promising researchers from developing nations to spend two years researching at internationally recognised institutions working on multiple sclerosis.
The fellowship is meant to support scholars beyond the funding of degree programs:
- Build superior scientific skills.
- Learn new laboratory and clinical research methods.
- Engage in joint international research activities.
- Build long-term professional networks.
- Return to native countries to strengthen MS research capacity.
MSIF encourages fellows to return to their home country post placement and contribute to strengthening MS research, clinical treatment and scientific capability.
Who is eligible?
All candidates must:
- Be educated to post graduate level (at least MSc, preferably PhD/MD) in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.
- Have had fewer than 5 years postdoctoral research experience. Career breaks and additional circumstances that may have affected/delayed your research career will be taken into account.
- Be citizens of a low- or middle-income country (all countries with a low, lower middle or upper middle income as defined by the World Bank)
- Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of application OR working or studying in another country on a project which started within the six months prior to application.
Those who have previously held an MSIF Du Pré grant are eligible to subsequently apply for a McDonald Fellowship.
The McDonald fellowship may also be used to part fund a PhD programme, where the candidate has already been accepted for the PhD programme in a recognised institute (within the six months prior to application) but who doesn’t have enough funding to cover the total cost.
What type of research project is eligible?
The proposed research must be relevant to multiple sclerosis. If there is an element of the research involving related conditions (such as NMOSD or MOGAD), it is essential that you explain the relevance of the research to understanding MS.
Host institutions
This is a joint application from the applicant and host. Before applying, candidates need to have identified a suitable project and host supervisor at an institution outside of their own country.
A project host must be agreed before commencing the application.
The deadline for the host statement is the same as the entire application: 1 December 2026
Fellowship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
| Annual grant | €55,000 per year for 2 years (total: €110,000) |
| Payment structure | Paid to the host institution, then used to pay the fellow |
| Return flight | One return flight to the host country covered |
| Research costs | Funding can offset research costs relevant to the fellow’s work (e.g., lab consumables) |
| Living expenses | Covers travel, accommodation, subsistence, insurance, visa-related expenses, and more |
| Professional development | Access to international expertise, networks, and collaboration opportunities |
Eligible Research Fields
Research areas must be relevant to multiple sclerosis, including:
- Clinical Research
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Sciences
- Patient Care
Application Process
The McDonald Fellowship is a joint application between the candidate and the host institution.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify a project and host supervisor – Find a suitable research institution outside your home country and agree on a project proposal
- Complete the online application form – Available on the MSIF website
- Host submits supporting statement – Your chosen host must provide a supporting statement
- Provide referee details – Add names and contact details of 3 referees (including your current supervisor or employer)
- Referees submit letters – Ask referees to send their letters to research@msif.org before the deadline
- Submit a lay summary – Provide a 500-word lay summary of your research proposal
- Read and sign the Terms & Conditions of the award
Important: A project host must be agreed before commencing the application. This is not something you can arrange after applying.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed by MSIF’s McDonald Fellowship panel, which includes:
- Scientists
- Clinicians
- People affected by MS from different parts of the world
Selection Criteria
- Relevance of research to multiple sclerosis
- Potential impact for MS patients in low- and middle-income countries
- The applicant’s career trajectory and potential
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Project proposal (agreed with host supervisor)
- Host supporting statement (submitted after applicant’s form)
- Two referee letters (sent to research@msif.org)
- 500-word lay summary of research proposal
Important Notes
Returning Home
Candidates are expected to return to their own countries at the end of the study period, where they will contribute to advancing care and research in MS.
Host Institution Location
The research institution must be outside the applicant’s home country. The host institution must be agreed upon before the application.
Timing
The McDonald Fellowship should start within 12 months of being awarded the funding.
Why Apply?
- Work at a leading international research institution – gain expertise from world-class scientists
- Build international networks – collaborate with researchers from across the globe
- Fully funded – €55,000 per year plus travel
- Career accelerator – develop skills and expertise in MS research
- Make a difference – contribute to MS research and patient care in your home country
Don’t Miss Out!
The MSIF McDonald Fellowships are highly competitive and represent a life-changing opportunity for early-career MS researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
Applications close on 1 December 2026 – so start preparing your application today!
👉 Apply now: www.msif.org/research/awards-grants-and-fellowships/mcdonald-fellowships/
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