Islamabad, June 13, 2025: Are you a dedicated young researcher from Pakistan working in the area of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? The McDonald Fellowships 2026, organized by the MS International Federation (MSIF), offer a fully sponsored two-year international research opportunity at a leading institution abroad.
This program is specially designed for researchers from low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan.
About the Fellowship
The McDonald Fellowship is aimed at nurturing future leaders in MS research. It offers early-career scientists the chance to gain advanced skills, work with international experts, and bring back valuable experience to improve MS research or patient care within their home countries. Selected fellows will either conduct a specific research project or gain hands-on training at a host institution outside Pakistan, with the goal of applying that knowledge back home.
Fellowship Details
- Duration: 2 years
- Annual Support: €55,000 (transferred to the host institution to fund the fellow’s work)
- Special Awards:
- MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship (in collaboration with ECTRIMS)
- MSIF-FRANCESEP McDonald Fellowship (in collaboration with France Sclerose En Plaques)
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this prestigious program, Pakistani applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country listed as low- or middle-income by the World Bank
- Hold at least a Master’s degree (MSc), preferably a PhD or MBBS, in a subject connected to MS
- Be actively involved in MS research
- Be currently working or studying in Pakistan, OR
- Be studying abroad with support from an MSIF Du Pré Grant, OR
- Be abroad for no longer than six months on a research-related project
Important: This is a joint application. You must find a host supervisor from an institution outside Pakistan before applying, and they must agree to supervise your research.
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Research Fields Covered
This fellowship is open to early-career work in areas such as:
- Neurology and clinical neuroscience
- Biomedical research linked to MS
- Diagnosis, treatment, and patient care for MS
- Nerve regeneration and remyelination
It may also partially fund a PhD, if the applicant has already secured university admission but lacks complete funding.
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Key Dates
- Applications Open: 1 July 2025
- Final Submission Deadline: 1 December 2025
(All documents, including references and the host supervisor’s statement, must be submitted by this date)
If you are a committed Pakistani researcher with a passion for making a difference in MS care, don’t miss McDonald Fellowships 2026 to collaborate internationally and bring new solutions back home. Prepare early, connect with a host institution, and apply as soon as applications open.
