ECTRIMS Research Fellowship Programme (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Programme, designed to support young neuroscientists in advancing research on multiple sclerosis (MS) and related diseases. This fully funded fellowship offers a 1- or 2-year research opportunity in a European laboratory or clinic, with an annual stipend of €55,000 and economy travel coverage. It is open to scientists and physicians worldwide who hold or are candidates for an MD, PhD, ScD, or equivalent degree, with no more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. The programme promotes cross-border collaboration and is ideal for those under 40, with exceptions considered under special circumstances. The application deadline is 1 December 2025, and there is no application fee. you can check out the List of Top 11 Postdoctoral Fellowships Worldwide 

Key Details

• Field of Study: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and related diseases (basic, clinical, or applied research).
• Eligibility: Scientists/physicians with MD, PhD, ScD, or equivalent; under 40; ≤5 years postdoctoral experience.
• Citizenship: Open to all nationalities; research must be conducted in a European lab/clinic.
• Duration: 1 or 2 years (shorter durations considered under special circumstances).
• Funding: Fully funded; €55,000/year stipend + economy travel to/from host institution.
• Application Deadline: 1 December 2025.
• Application Fee: None.
• Location: European laboratory or clinic, different from applicant’s current institution/country.
• Language Requirement: Proof of proficiency in host institution’s local language.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold or be a candidate for an MD, PhD, ScD, or equivalent degree, awarded before the fellowship begins.
• Have no more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience at the time of application.
• Be under 40 years old at the time of application (exceptions may be considered).
• Not have previously worked at the proposed host institution or with the proposed mentor.
• Demonstrate language proficiency to ensure effective communication at the host institution.
• Submit only one application per cycle across all fellowship categories.

Also check: Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Programme Requirements

Research Plan

• Applicants must propose a clear and feasible research project related to MS, developed in collaboration with a mentor at the host institution.
• The project can focus on basic, clinical, or applied research in any MS-related field.

Mentor and Host Institution

• The proposed mentor must not be named in more than one application per cycle. If multiple applicants select the same mentor, the mentor will choose one application to proceed.
• The host institution must be a European laboratory or clinic and agree to the fellowship’s funding terms.
• Institutes are limited to 3 awards total across all fellowship categories and 1 award per category.

Fellowship Location

• The fellowship must take place at a different institution and country from the applicant’s current placement to promote cross-border exchange.
• Exceptions may be considered but must be justified in the application.

Fellowship Support

• Stipend: €55,000 per year, paid through the host institution, which acts as the employer.
• Travel: Economy transportation to and from the host institution is reimbursed upon submission of receipts.
• Additional Costs: The host institution is responsible for covering any salary or benefits exceeding the ECTRIMS stipend.
• Research Support: The host institution/mentor must provide resources (e.g., equipment, materials) for the research project.
• Congress Participation: Fellows are expected to attend ECTRIMS annual congresses during their fellowship, with travel and accommodation costs covered separately by ECTRIMS.

Best opportunity: St John’s College Research Fellowship in UK

Application Process

Applications are reviewed competitively by the ECTRIMS Fellowship Committee based on:

• Applicant’s qualifications, career plans, and educational history.
• Quality of the proposed mentor and host institution.
• Scientific quality, innovation, and feasibility of the research plan.
• Strength of reference letters.

Part 1: Applicant Documents (Submitted Online as PDFs)

1. Completed online application via the ECTRIMS website.
2. Abbreviated CV and bibliography using the ECTRIMS “Biographical Sketch” form.
3. Career plan (max 1 page).
4. Research project description (max 6 pages, including figures, tables, and references).
5. Research project summary (abstract, max 250 words).
6. Proof of language proficiency for the host institution’s local language (e.g., certificate or personal letter).

See also: KAUST Global Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Researchers

Part 2: Supporting Materials (Submitted Separately to ECTRIMS)

These must be emailed to [email protected] by 1 December 2025 as PDFs:

1. From the Proposed Mentor:
   • Letter of endorsement referencing interactions with the applicant and the research plan.
   • Abbreviated CV and bibliography (max 5 pages, using the ECTRIMS “Biographical Sketch” form).
2. From the Host Institution:
   • Letter of support from the department chair or relevant official confirming acceptance of the applicant.
   • Certification of acceptance of ECTRIMS funding terms (using the “Acceptance of ECTRIMS Payment Rules” form).
3. From Referees:
   • Three letters of reference from professionals familiar with the applicant’s work, including one from the proposed mentor.
   • If applicable, a letter from the applicant’s home institution confirming their return post-fellowship and describing the position offered.

Check also: AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Award 2026

Note: Only three reference letters are allowed; additional letters will not be considered.