McDonald Fellowship 2027 Application Process: Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Early Career MS Researchers

McDonald Fellowship 2027 Application Process Discussion Open. The fully funded McDonald Fellowship supports early career multiple sclerosis researchers from low- and middle-income countries with a two-year international research placement, €55,000 annual funding, and opportunities to develop expertise in MS research and patient care.

The McDonald Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded research fellowship offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) for early career researchers from low- and middle-income countries.

The programme provides researchers with the opportunity to undertake a two-year research placement at a recognised institution outside their home country. The fellowship is designed to help researchers gain advanced skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to research related to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Successful fellows are expected to use the knowledge and experience gained through the fellowship to continue supporting multiple sclerosis research and patient care in low- and middle-income countries.

The next application round is expected to open in September 2026, with applications for the 2026 cycle already closed.

Fellowship Benefits and Funding

The McDonald Fellowship provides substantial financial support to selected researchers.

Successful applicants receive:

€55,000 per year for two years.
Funding paid to the host institution and used to support the fellow.
One return flight to the host country.
Research training and international collaboration opportunities.

The fellowship may also support candidates who have already been accepted into a PhD programme at a recognised institution but require additional funding to complete their research.

Who Can Apply for the McDonald Fellowship 2027?

Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements to be considered for the fellowship.

Candidates must:

Have postgraduate education, including at least a Master’s degree (MSc), preferably a PhD or MD, in a field related to multiple sclerosis.
Have fewer than five years of postdoctoral research experience.
Be citizens of a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank.
Be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country at the time of application.

Applicants who are currently working or studying outside their home country may also qualify if their project started within six months before applying.

Career interruptions and circumstances affecting research progression may be considered during the selection process.

Eligible Research Areas

The proposed research project must focus on topics related to multiple sclerosis.

Projects involving related neurological conditions may also be considered if applicants clearly explain how the research contributes to understanding multiple sclerosis.

Priority may be given to research projects that demonstrate clear benefits for people living with MS in low- and middle-income countries.

Host Institution Requirements

The McDonald Fellowship requires a joint application between the researcher and a host institution.

Before applying, candidates must:

Identify a suitable research project.
Find a host supervisor outside their home country.
Agree on the proposed research plan with the host institution.

The host supervisor must provide a supporting statement as part of the application process.

Applicants are encouraged to establish contact with potential supervisors early because the host statement must be submitted before the final deadline.

McDonald Fellowship 2027 Application Process

The application process involves several important steps:

1. Identify a Research Host and Project

Applicants should first identify a suitable host institution and supervisor who can support their proposed MS research project.

The research topic should align with the goals of the fellowship and demonstrate potential benefits for MS research or patient care.

2. Prepare the Research Proposal

Applicants must work with their host supervisor to develop a clear research proposal.

The proposal should explain:

The research objectives.
The importance of the study.
The expected impact.
How the fellowship will support professional development.

3. Complete the Online Application Form

Applicants must complete all sections of the online application once the application portal opens.

The application should include required information about:

Academic background.
Research experience.
Proposed project.
Career goals.
Host institution details.

4. Submit Supporting Documents

Applicants must arrange supporting documents, including:

Host supervisor supporting statement.
Two reference letters from independent referees.
Research proposal information.
Other required application materials.

Reference letters must be submitted directly to MSIF before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the McDonald Fellowship application, including all supporting documents, is:

1 December 2026

The following must be submitted before the deadline:

Applicant online application.
Host supervisor supporting statement.
Reference letters.

Applications may not be considered if required supporting materials are missing after the deadline.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the McDonald Fellowship panel, which includes:

Scientists.
Healthcare professionals.
People affected by multiple sclerosis.

The panel evaluates candidates based on research quality, potential impact, and the applicant’s ability to contribute to MS research in low- and middle-income countries.

Research Summary Requirement

Applicants must include a 500-word lay summary explaining their research in simple language.

The summary should:

Introduce the research topic.
Explain why the research matters.
Describe the problem being addressed.
Highlight how the research could benefit people affected by MS.

Applicants are encouraged to avoid complex scientific terminology and explain technical concepts clearly for a general audience.

After Receiving the Fellowship

During the fellowship period, recipients must provide progress reports.

Requirements include:

A short report after the first year.
A final report and expenditure summary after completion.
Submission of research outputs such as papers, posters, or abstracts.

Second-year funding depends on satisfactory reporting requirements.

Final Thoughts

The McDonald Fellowship 2027 provides an important opportunity for early career researchers from low- and middle-income countries to gain international research experience in multiple sclerosis.

With up to €110,000 total fellowship funding over two years, international collaboration opportunities, and support for advanced research training, the programme helps develop the next generation of MS researchers worldwide.

Eligible researchers interested in advancing multiple sclerosis research should begin preparing early by identifying potential host institutions, developing research ideas, and gathering application documents before the September 2026 opening.

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