Applications call for McDonald Fellowships 2021 for Early-Career Researchers. The McDonald Fellowship enables early-career multiple sclerosis researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work in a research institution outside of their own country. For 2021, they are open to applications for virtual or local projects to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19. During the visit or virtual project, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects.

Following the award, McDonald Fellowships expect applicants will be able to use the newly developed expertise and networks, continuing to undertake MS research and/or patient care in low- and middle-income countries.

Eligible Projects

The 2021 McDonald Fellowship requirements for applicants have been amended. Due to travel restrictions, the board is considering alternative ways to carry out research projects, allowing flexibility around how the Fellowship is spent, as well as when and where the project would be carried out. The fellowships encourage potential applicants to think creatively together with their proposed hosts about potential solutions.

A project may be:

• in a research institute/hospital abroad if travel permits (as in previous years)
• in a research institute/hospital in your home country
• a virtual project, either in full or in part with host institution mentoring*

Benefits

The fellowship consists of a two-year grant, around £30,000 GBP per year, to cover travel and living costs, and an additional contribution of £2,000 GBP per year to the host institution. For 2021, McDonald Fellowships are more flexible on the use of funds if virtual projects are proposed.

Eligibility 

All candidates for McDonald Fellowships must

• Be educated to postgraduate level (at least MSc, preferably Ph.D./MD) in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.
• 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).
• Focus their research in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.

Additional Criteria

Candidates must also be in one of the following situations:

• Working or studying in a low- or middle-income country (all countries with a low, lower-middle, or upper middle income as defined by the World Bank) at the time of nomination.
• Working or studying in another country on a project which started within the six months prior to nomination.
• Studying in another country on a project supported by an MS International Federation grant.