Home/Joint National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)- MENACTRIMS Research Fellowship Grant

Joint National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)- MENACTRIMS Research Fellowship Grant

Introduction

The NMSS–MENACTRIMS Fellowship Program supports the development of Emirati physicians and scientists committed to advancing multiple sclerosis research and clinical care. Fellowships are offered under two tracks: Research Fellowship and Clinical Fellowship.

Deadline for application: September 15, 2026

Program Terms

ELIGIBILITY

  • Emirati scientists and physicians are eligible to apply.
  • In general, successful applicants will be under 40 years of age at the time of application; exceptions under special circumstances may be considered.
  • Research Fellowship: Applicants must hold or be candidates for an MD, PhD, ScD, or equivalent professional degree. Candidates who have completed postgraduate studies or are currently enrolled in a PhD program are eligible.
  • Clinical Fellowship: Applicants must hold an MD or equivalent medical degree prior to application. Completion of a relevant internship or residency is desirable but not obligatory. Applicants with specialty interests relevant to MS care (e.g., neurology, rehabilitation medicine, psychiatry, electrophysiology) are eligible.

FELLOWSHIP FOCUS AND TRAINING PLAN

  • Research Fellowship: This is a research-focused experience. Applicants must propose a coherent basic, clinical, or applied MS-related research project to be undertaken during the fellowship period in collaboration with the proposed mentor at the host institution.
  • Clinical Fellowship: This is a full-time MS clinical training experience designed to provide advanced exposure to MS care and management, including supervised hands-on clinical practice, relevant coursework, and optional clinical research activities.

FELLOWSHIP LOCATION

  • Fellowships are undertaken abroad at an international research laboratory, academic medical center, or clinical institution with a demonstrated focus on multiple sclerosis.
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify the host institution and proposed mentor. If additional guidance is required, NMSS may suggest a limited number of potential options; however, NMSS does not guarantee placements or provide direct connections.
  • Clinical Fellowship Only: The host institution and mentor must certify that the fellow is permitted to undertake patient care activities, including confirmation of any applicable licensure requirements.

TERM

  • Fellowship durations are 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.
  • Fellowships must normally be initiated within 6 months of receipt of the MENACTRIMS award letter. Any exceptions must be approved by the MENACTRIMS Fellowship Program Committee.

SUPPORT

  • The fellowship provides a stipend of:
    • USD 12,500 for a 3-month fellowship
    • USD 25,000 for a 6-month fellowship
    • USD 50,000 for a 1-year fellowship
  • Funds are transferred from UAE NMSS to MENACTRIMS, and then to the host institution, which will be considered the fellow’s employer.
  • Stipends are paid by the host institution according to its internal policies and schedules.
  • The NMSS-MENACTRIMS award must be used to cover the fellow’s stipend at the appropriate rate for their stage of training.
  • Any remaining funds (research fellowship) may be used toward required institutional social benefits.
  • If total salary and benefits exceed the award amount, the host institution or mentor is responsible for covering additional costs.
  • Fellows will be invited to attend annual MENACTRIMS Congresses during the term of their fellowship and to make a presentation on their funded research.

FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES

  • Fellowships are intended to be full-time.
  • Research Fellows: Up to 10% of time may be allocated to teaching, non-research clinical activities, or relevant coursework, as agreed with the mentor.
  • Clinical Fellows: Activities focus primarily on supervised clinical training, with optional coursework or limited clinical research as defined in the approved training plan.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

  • Research Fellowship: Semi-annual progress reports are required, along with a final report due 30 days prior to the end of the fellowship. Publications arising from fellowship-supported work must acknowledge the NMSS–MENACTRIMS Research Fellowship Program.
  • Clinical Fellowship: A final training report is required within 30 days of fellowship completion. Reporting templates will be provided by MENACTRIMS.

POST-FELLOWSHIP FOLLOW-UP (CLINICAL FELLOWSHIP)

  • Clinical Fellows are required to maintain contact with the MENACTRIMS Secretariat to enable tracking of post-training career pathways and overall program evaluation.

The NMSS-MENACTRIMS Fellowship Grant will be awarded in a competitive review process conducted by members of the MENACTRIMS Fellowships Review Committee. Applications will be evaluated based on the:

  • Candidate qualifications, educational history, and evaluation of career plans
  • Qualifications and characteristics of the proposed fellowship mentor and host institution
  • Quality of letters of endorsement from the proposed mentor and from referees at the fellow’s home institution
  • Research Fellowship: The proposed research plan, including assessment of scientific quality, innovation, and feasibility
  • Clinical Fellowship: The nature of the proposed clinical training plan, including anticipated coursework or clinical research activities

Important: Applicants must clearly specify the type of fellowship they are applying for (Research Fellowship or Clinical Fellowship) in their proposal and application materials. Applications that do not clearly indicate the fellowship type may be considered incomplete.

PART 1: PROVIDED BY THE APPLICANT

  • A completed online application, in English, available from the MENACTRIMS website, including applicant demographics and background information
  • An abbreviated curriculum vitae, including a bibliography of relevant publications (if applicable)
  • A statement outlining the applicant’s career plans
  • A fellowship program description clearly specifying the fellowship type:
    • Research Fellowship: Detailed description of the proposed research project and research training plan
    • Clinical Fellowship: Detailed description of the proposed clinical training program, including anticipated coursework and/or clinical research exposure

PART 2: SUPPORTING MATERIALS SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO MENACTRIMS

Referees and institutions must clearly identify the applicant’s full name on all submitted documents.

FROM THE PROPOSED MENTOR

  • A letter of support describing the mentor’s interaction with the applicant during fellowship planning and detailing the proposed research or clinical training program
  • Certification that the fellow will be permitted to undertake the proposed activities at the host institution (including patient care activities for Clinical Fellowships)
  • An abbreviated curriculum vitae and bibliography of the proposed mentor

FROM THE HOST INSTITUTION

  • Letter of support from the department chair or other relevant institutional official at the proposed host institution accepting the proposed fellow, should a fellowship be awarded
  • Certification from the training institution accepting the terms of the MENACTRIMS fellowship and payment arrangements

FROM OTHER REFEREES

  • At least two letters of reference from professionals acquainted with the proposed fellow, from the home institution or elsewhere, addressing the fellow’s qualifications and likelihood of success in a clinical career focused on MS
  • If applicable, a letter from the home institution indicating that the fellow will be welcomed back after completion of the fellowship and outlining the position to be made available

The NMSS-MENACTRIMS Research Fellowship will be awarded in a competitive review process conducted by members of the MENACTRIMS Research Fellowship Review Committee.

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