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. *For 2022 we are open to applications for virtual or local projects to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19.
During the visit or virtual 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 may 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. *For 2022 we are more flexible on the use of funds if virtual or local projects are proposed, but this must be agreed upon in the project proposal.
To get more, like Diplomacy Opportunities Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram
Please note:
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 2022, the host can also be identified within the applicant’s home country or neighbouring 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 before commencing the application. The deadline for the host statement is the same as the entire application: 30 June, 2022.
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
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).
To get more, like Diplomacy Opportunities Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram
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.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline, including the online form, reference letters, and supporting statement from the host, is 30 June 2022.
Expanded eligibility criteria
The 2022 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.
We 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.
To get more, like Diplomacy Opportunities Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram
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 2022 Awards round.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our research team using the contact us form, selecting “Research grants and awards”.
Read more on the MSIF Du Pré Grants Website
To get more, like Diplomacy Opportunities Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram
Diplomacy Opp 