The McDonald Fellowships is a financial aid program that is offered to sclerosis researchers from low and middle-income countries to work in a research institution outside of their own country. These programs allow researchers to become an important part of a global community of scholars. As a result, it encourages candidates to broaden their academic knowledge by participating in various academic activities under the supervision of notable academics from across the world.
Furthermore, the Fellowship offers financial assistance to promising early-career researchers seeking a master’s or doctorate degree in Multiple Sclerosis. It comprises a two-year grant of around £30,000 GBP per year to cover travel and living expenses, as well as an additional £2,000 GBP contribution to the host university per year. Similarly, the McDonald Fellowships are open to researchers from all over the world, regardless of nationality or location. This worldwide strategy enables the exchange of ideas and knowledge on a global scale, promoting diversity in MS research.
However, the McDonald Fellowship is a highly competitive award, as thousands of qualified individuals apply for the award every year. Hence, to be among the few who’ll be offered the fellowship, you need to follow their guidelines and present an appealing application. This post will teach you all you need to know about the McDonald Fellowships, from its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
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Scholarship Summary
Summary
About the Host of the McDonald Fellowships
The McDonald Fellowships, established by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), are a prestigious and impactful program aimed at fostering research and collaboration in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS). The McDonald Fellowship was named in honor of Professor Ian McDonald, a renowned neurologist and pioneer in the field of MS research. They have been in operation since 1987 and have sponsored various researchers from throughout the world in their pursuit of creative and revolutionary MS research.
Furthermore, the primary purpose of the McDonald Fellowships is to provide financial support to early-career researchers who have completed their Ph.D. or medical degree within two years. Thus, the fellowship provides an unparalleled opportunity for young researchers to enhance their careers, contribute to MS research, and improve the lives of those impacted by complicated neurological diseases. Ultimately, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools, treatment options, and a better knowledge of the underlying causes of MS, which could assist people all over the world.
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Why Apply for The McDonald Fellowships?
The McDonald Fellowships offer financial assistance, promote international collaboration and encourage mentorship. Hence, if you wish to apply for the fellowship but are unsure whether you’re making the right choice. Here are more reasons why you should consider applying for the McDonald fellowships:
How Much is the McDonald Fellowships Worth?
The McDonald Fellowships consists of a two-year grant of about £30,000 GBP per year, which covers travel and living expenses, and an additional contribution of £2,000 GBP to the host institution per year.
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How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
Every year, thousands of people apply for the McDonald Fellowship, but only a handful of them are chosen. Hence while we cannot say how many persons will be chosen for the Fellowship, we do know that only a few applicants will be chosen.
What is the Acceptance Rate of the McDonald Fellowships?
We can not state the exact percentage of people who are usually accepted for a given scholarship application. However, we do know that thousands of people apply for the McDonald Fellowship programs per year, but only a few are selected. Therefore, it’s a highly selective fellowship program.
Eligible Nationality
The McDonald Fellowships are typically open to individuals from all countries.
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Host Nationality
The McDonald Fellowships are offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), so the host nationality can be different for each recipient. Hence, the host nationality can vary depending on the institution or organization where the fellowship is pursued.
Eligible Institutions
The McDonald Fellowships are not tied to specific institutions; rather, they provide funding to promising researchers to work with a mentor of their choice in a host institution of their choice. Therefore, eligible institutions can vary depending on the specific fellowship program, but they are generally research institutions, universities, or medical centers with a focus on MS research.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the McDonald Fellowships?
The specific course of study for McDonald Fellowships would be in the field of multiple sclerosis research or a related area of medicine, neuroscience, or neurology.
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Which Level is Eligible for the McDonald Fellowships?
The McDonald Fellowships are typically available at the postdoctoral level.
McDonald Fellowships Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the McDonald Fellowship award, applicants must meet the following conditions:
The Amended McDonald Fellowship Requirements
Due to travel restrictions, they are examining other methods of carrying out research projects, giving flexibility in how the Fellowship is spent as well as when and where the project is carried out. As a result, potential applicants are urged to brainstorm inventive solutions with their proposed hosts.
A project may be:
For more information, including assistance with identifying possible host institutions, please contact their research team using the contact us form, selecting “Research grants and awards.”
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Age Requirements
All applicants for the McDonald Fellowships award must be around the age of 18 to 30.
How to Apply for the McDonald Fellowships?
The McDonald Fellowship supports transformative graduate research projects and provides career growth opportunities to graduate students who are working on innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative approaches to major social problems. These fellowship programs are an excellent way to avoid the financial load of higher education. Hence, if you wish to apply for this opportunity, below is a step-by-step procedure.
Steps To Apply for McDonald Fellowships
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
To apply for McDonald Fellowships follow these steps:
Identify your project
You will first have to identify your project and field of interest.Finalize project proposals
Contact and agree on project proposals with a host (project supervisor in a lab or clinic). If you do not have a host, contact the research team for advice as soon as possible.Complete the Application
Completes all sections of the online application form and submit. After the submission, the Host will be contacted to submit a supporting statement using the same application form.Review
MSIF’s McDonald Fellowship panel will review all applications and select successful candidates.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
Terms and Conditions
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How Long Do the McDonald Fellowships Last for Winners?
The McDonald Fellowships typically cover two years of candidate research.
What are Documents Required For the McDonald Fellowships Application?
The McDonald Fellowships are awarded to support young researchers in the field of multiple sclerosis. While specific requirements may change over time, the typical documents required for a McDonald Fellowship application include:
Types of McDonald Fellowship Award
Firstly, one of the McDonald Fellowship is awarded in partnership with ECTRIMS and is known as the MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship. Secondly, another Fellowship is awarded in partnership with MSF’s member, ARSEP, The Fondation pour l’Aide à la Recherche sur la Sclérose En Plaques. This is known as the MSIF-ARSEP McDonald Fellowship.
Is the McDonald Fellowships Application Ongoing Now?
As of the time of this publication, the application for the 2025 McDonald Fellowship will soon commence. Therefore, we encourage you to prepare and apply immediately when the application windows open.
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What Can I Do To Win McDonald Fellowships This Year?
The McDonald Fellowship award is a very competitive award to win, as it’ll require a highly appealing application that aligns with their aim and objectives. If you want to apply for it fellowship, the following are suggestions that can help to increase your chances of winning a McDonald Fellowship:
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Application Deadline
The general application deadline for the MacDonald fellowships is June 2025, and all applicants will be informed in September whether they are successful.
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Selection Procedures
In applying for the MacDonald fellowship programs, scholars will first identify their field of interest, after which they can contact and agree on project proposals with a host. Following that, they can go to the fellowship application portal, fill out and submit their application alongside the necessary documents. Finally, the fellowship committee will review all applications and make their selection based on the published criteria.
Do the MacDonald Fellowships Have Past Questions?
When applying for the MacDonald Fellowship, you must submit a compelling research proposal as well as illustrate your professional goals and how the fellowship would assist you in achieving them. You’ll also need to write a 500-word lay summary, which should include a quick outline of your research topic as well as an explanation of the specific problem your research proposal attempts to answer. Finally, summarize the impact of your research on patients with MS.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Win the Milton Fisher Scholarship
If you don’t win the MacDonald Fellowships, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time. While you look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada.
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International Scholarships You Should Check Out
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below;
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Frequently Asked Questions About the MacDonald Fellowships
What is the McDonald Fellowship?
The McDonald Fellowship is a prestigious fellowship program awarded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF). This fellowship is designed to support young researchers and clinicians in the field of MS by providing them with funding and resources to conduct research and gain valuable experience. Additionally, recipients of the McDonald Fellowship typically work on projects related to multiple sclerosis, contributing to our understanding of neurological conditions.
Is the MacDonald Fellowship easy to get?
Well, winning the MacDonald Fellowship is not a walk in the park. However, if you put your best foot forward by meeting with application guidelines and presenting an appealing application, you may still be among the fellowship recipients.
Is the MacDonald Fellowships fully funded?
Yes, the MacDonald Fellowships are fully funded.
What evidence of results is needed for the fellowship?
A short report must be submitted at the end of the first year of the fellowship. Second-year funding depends on the submission of this report. Upon completion of the fellowship, a final report and expenditure summary are required. Also, electronic copies of reports, papers, abstracts, and posters resulting from the visit should also be submitted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the McDonald Fellowships are globally recognized programs that support early-career researchers in their quest to advance MS research. By providing financial support, fostering international collaboration, and encouraging mentorship, these fellowships play a pivotal role in shaping the future of MS research. Also, it ultimately improves the lives of individuals affected by this challenging disease. Therefore, this fellowship is a great way to build the necessary skills for making an impact and advancing knowledge. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, you can read the application guidelines on this post and apply.