MISF Du Pré Grants 2021 for multiple sclerosis researchers and clinicians from Developing Countries.

Application Deadline: 30 June 2021

MSIF Du Pré Grants enable multiple sclerosis researchers and clinicians to undertake short placements in established MS research centres and clinics. The MSIF Du Pré Grant enables multiple sclerosis researchers and clinicians from low- and middle-income countries to make short visits (up to six months) to established MS research centres, outside of their own country. 

The 2021 Du Pré Grant requirements for applicants have been amended. Due to travel restrictions we are considering alternative ways to carry out research projects, allowing flexibility around how the Du Pré Grants are spent, as well as when and where the project would be carried out.

All candidates 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 recognised institute (within the six months prior to nomination) but who doesn’t have enough money to cover the total cost.

Candidates and Host supervisors are required to read and sign the Terms and Conditions of the award (see below).

MSIF encourage potential applicants to think creatively together with their proposed hosts about potential solutions.

A project may be:
A) in a research institute/hospital abroad if travel permits (as in previous years)
B) in a research institute/hospital in your home country
C) a virtual project, either in full or in part with host institution mentoring

Projects are only accepted if risk of travel is low; the project can be carried out safely with minimal risk to the applicant; there are sufficient resources and supervision to allow the proposed project to take place; and the project demonstrates sufficient value to the applicant.

Application forms include a question asking the applicant to write a plan for how to conduct the work or a part of the work if unable to travel.

The specific Terms and Conditions of the Awards are being drafted and will be communicated as soon as they have been finalised. These conditions will only change for the 2021 Awards round.

How to apply:

• Complete all sections of the online application form
• The Host needs to provide a supporting statement at the end of the application*
• Add names and contact details of 2 referees, including the applicant’s current supervisor or employer
• 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.

The application deadline, including the online form, reference letters, and supporting statement from the host, is 30 June 2021.

You must submit your application with sufficient time for the proposed host to read through your application and provide a supporting statement. It is advised to give at least 2-4 weeks for your host to complete this. Equally, you must ask both your referees to send one reference letter each to research{at}msif{dot}org before the deadline. Applications will be rejected if host statement or references are not received before 30 June.

• Deadline of application: 30 June 
• Deadline of Host Supporting Statement: 30 June 
• Deadline of References: 30 June 

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the MISF Du Pré Grants 2021