The 2023 MISF Du Pré Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Researchers is now open for application. The MSIF Du Pré Grant enables MS researchers and clinicians from low- and middle-income countries to make short visits (under six months) to established Multiple Sclerosis research centres, outside their own country.

During the visit, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects. The benefit is that it provides care for people with Multiple Sclerosis and supports collaborative research. Following the award, applicants are expected to use the newly developed expertise and networks, and continue MS research and/or clinical practice in low- and middle-income countries.

For this application call, the program is open to applications for virtual or local projects to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19.

Program Details

• Host Institutions: Institutions outside candidate’s home country.
• Eligible Research Fields: Research proposal in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.
• Number of Awards: Not specified
• Duration: 2 to 6 months.
• Eligible countries: Open for citizens of a low or middle-income country (as defined by the World Bank).

MISF Du Pré Grants Benefits

Visits may last two to six months. Each grant is up to a maximum of £6,000 GBP, to cover the cost of travel and living expenses or to top up an existing grant to extend a visit. For 2023 there is more flexibility on the use of funds if virtual or local projects are proposed, but this must be agreed upon in the project proposal.

MISF Du Pré Grants Eligibility

Candidates willing to apply for the multiple sclerosis research scholarship must:

• Be educated to post-graduate level (at least MSc, but preferably PhD/MD) in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis (MS)
• 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 proposal in an area relevant to multiple sclerosis.

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

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. A strong plan of how to continue one’s work after the award has ended is recommended. The grant may also be used as a supplement for work related to MS by a candidate who has been accepted for training in a recognized institute (within the six months prior to nomination) but who doesn’t have enough money to cover the total cost.

Other Opportunities

1. University Of Melbourne Scholarships For Graduate Students;
2. International Excellence Scholarship at London Brunel University;
3. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) in Netherlands.

How to Apply for the MISF Du Pré Grants

Eligible applicants who would like to apply for the scholarship must follow steps below to submit their applications. Please click here and select “Research grants and awards” to contact the research team to discuss the topic of your research proposal before you apply.

1. Complete all sections of the online application form
2. The Host needs to provide a supporting statement at the end of the application
3. Add names and contact details of 2 referees, including the applicant’s current supervisor or employer
4. Ask your two referees to send a reference letter each to research[at]msif[dot].org before the deadline.

The host supporting statement is filled in once the Applicant has submitted their application. The proposed host will then be emailed with instructions to fill in the supporting statement in the application form in text only. This is a joint application from the applicant and host. Before nomination, candidates need to have identified a suitable project and host supervisor at an institution outside of their own country.

For 2023, the host can also be identified within the applicant’s home country or neighboring countries (if travel laws allow it in the country), provided there are sufficient resources (e.g. equipment, reagents…) and mentorship as well as an opportunity to learn new expertise and techniques. A project host must be agreed upon before commencing the application.

The application deadline, including the online form, reference letters, and supporting statement from the host, is June 30, 2023. Please visit the official page for more details on the MISF Du Pré Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Researchers. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.