Du Pré Grants

The Du Pré Grants round will not run in 2024.

We will continue to offer up to two McDonald Fellowships in 2024 – please find more information on the McDonald Fellowships page.

What is the Du Pré Grant?

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.

During the project, participants either gain expertise or carry out parts of joint research projects. This benefits care for people with MS and supports collaborative research. Following the award, we expect applicants to use the newly developed expertise and networks, and continue MS research and/or clinical practice in low- and middle-income countries.

Visits last between two and 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.

Who is eligible?

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
• Not been awarded a McDonald Fellowship previously. Those who previously have held a Du Pré grant are eligible to subsequently apply for a McDonald Fellowship, but not the other way round.

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).

How are grants awarded?

MSIF’s Du Pré Grants panel, which includes scientists and people affected by MS, considers and selects successful candidates.

What evidence of results is needed?

At the end of the award period, we will require a short report and expenditure summary. Electronic copies of reports, papers, abstracts and posters resulting from the visit should also be submitted. Papers produced as a result of or in connection with Du Pré Grant-funded research should acknowledge the grant and include the address of the MS International Federation’s website: www.msif.org

Who do I contact?

For more information, including assistance with identifying possible host institutions, please contact our research team using the contact us form, selecting “Research grants and awards”.

Terms and Conditions

The Terms and Conditions of the Award must be agreed and signed by both the Award holder and the Host supervisor. The Du Pré Terms and Conditions can be found here.