MISF 2022 Du Pré Grants for Multiple Sclerosis Researchers from Developing Countries

MISF offers Du Pré Grants to MS researchers from emerging countries to enable them to make short visits to established MS research centres outside their own country, either to learn from each other or to carry out parts of joint research projects. The aim is to encourage cross-fertilisation of skills through collaborative research projects. Two of the annual awards are supported by Stichting MS Research (the Dutch MS Research Foundation).

• Table of Content
• About Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Du Pré Grants
• Aim and Benefits of Du Pré Grants
• Requirements for Du Pré Grants Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Today more than 2.8 million people around the world have MS. MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition. This means it is caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves, acting much like the covering of an electric wire. Myelin allows a nerve to transmit its impulses rapidly. It is the speed and efficiency with which these impulses are conducted that permits smooth, rapid and co-ordinated movements to be performed with little conscious effort. In... continue reading

Du Pré Grants

Aim and Benefits of Du Pré Grants

Each grant is likely to be between UK £2,000 and £4,000, to a maximum of £5,000. The funds are intended to go towards travel and living costs, or to top up an existing grant to extend a visit.

Requirements for Du Pré Grants Qualification

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.

Application Deadline

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

For more details, visit MS website.