ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program For 2025. International students from all over the world who have an interest in conducting postdoctoral research in Neuroscience and Multiple Sclerosis can participate in the ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program. Program objectives include the promotion of information exchange and the development of a pool of well-trained researchers working on MS issues. A number of fellowships are expected to be awarded each year at the outset.
The ECTRIMS Research Fellowship provides an opportunity for research-oriented experiences. Fellowship applicants must identify and present a cogent basic, clinical, or applied research project to be undertaken during the fellowship period, in cooperation with the fellowship mentor at the host institution.
A study fellowship experience in any MS-related research subject (basic, applied, or clinical, in any appropriate specialty region) will be considered for consideration.
Scholarship Summary
- Study Level: Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): ECTRIMS
- Study at: Europe
- Opportunity Focus Areas:
- Neuroscience
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Program Duration:
- Fellowships of 1 or 2 years will be available.
- Fellowships of shorter duration than one year will be considered only under special circumstances, which must be detailed in the application process.
- Deadline: July 2025
Scholarship Coverage
ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowships provide the following benefits to the recipient:
- All fellows will receive an annual stipend of €55,000 as part of the fellowship.
- The ECTRIMS program will also provide economic round-trip transportation from the candidate’s home location to the training site; family members will not be reimbursed for their travel expenses.
- This fellowship will be funded by ECTRIMS through the host institution, which will be considered the fellow’s employer. The host institution will provide a stipend to the fellow according to its own payment policies and schedules. When receipts are submitted to ECTRIMS, travel expenses for relocation to the training site can be reimbursed directly to the fellow.
- The ECTRIMS award must be used by the institution to cover the fellow’s stipend (salary) at the appropriate rate for his or her stage of training. If there are any remaining funds, the remainder may be used to support institutional social benefits (health care coverage, pensions, etc.) that may be required by the institution.
- If the total stipend plus benefits exceeds the amount provided by the ECTRIMS award, the institution/mentor is responsible for supplemental funding to cover the entire required expenses.
- The host institution must provide the expected fellow’s total salary, as well as the expected fellow’s total social benefits per year.
- Additionally, if the annual or prorated ECTRIMS award does not cover the total required costs of the fellow (salary and benefits), other sources of funding must be mentioned in order to cover the total costs.
- In general, the host institution or mentor is expected to provide financial support for the actual research to be conducted at the host institution.
- We will not be able to provide any additional support for travel, books, journal subscriptions, etc.
- It is expected that fellows will attend ECTRIMS Congresses throughout the term of their fellowship and make a presentation (in one of the young researcher sections or elsewhere) on their funded research. A separate travel and accommodation support program will be provided by ECTRIMS for congress participants.
Eligibility Requirements for ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
To qualify for the ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must meet the language requirements set by the host institution.
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must have completed their advanced academic degree(s) before the start of the fellowship.
- Postdoctoral Experience: At the time of application:
- Candidates must not have more than one year of prior postdoctoral training with the proposed host mentor or institution.
- Applicants with more experience may not exceed five years of total postdoctoral research following their final academic degree (such as a PhD, MD, ScD, or equivalent).
- Eligible Degree Holders: The fellowship is open to individuals who either hold or are pursuing a professional degree such as MD, PhD, ScD, or an equivalent qualification.
- Age Limit: Applicants are generally expected to be under the age of 40 at the time of submission. Exceptions may be made under specific, justified circumstances.
- Language Assurance: Both the applicant and the mentor must confirm that there are no language-related obstacles that would hinder the training experience.
- Research Location: While candidates of all nationalities may apply, the postdoctoral research must be conducted within a European-based laboratory or clinical research center.
- Post-Fellowship Plan: It is encouraged, though not mandatory, that the fellow returns to their home institution after the fellowship ends. Applicants should provide a clear outline of their intended career path after completing the program.
How to Apply for ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for the ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship:
Step 1: Register and Begin Your Application
- Click on the “Apply Now” button provided on the official ECTRIMS website.
- Create a new user account to access the application portal.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
- Fill out the fellowship application form within the system.
- Ensure all fields are accurately completed.
Step 3: Upload the Required Application Documents
The following documents must be submitted as part of your application:
| Required Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Biographical Sketch | A condensed CV and list of publications (max 5 pages) using the official ECTRIMS biographical sketch form. |
| Online Application Form | Accessible directly from the ECTRIMS website. |
| Career Plans | A one-page statement describing your future career goals. |
| Research Abstract | A concise project summary of no more than 250 words. |
| Research Proposal | A detailed project description not exceeding 6 pages (inclusive of figures, tables, and references). |
| Language Proficiency Proof | Documentation confirming knowledge of the local language of the host institution. |
Step 4: Submit Additional Documents via Email
The following documents must be submitted separately and directly emailed to: [email protected] by 1 December. These are to be sent as confidential documents and should NOT be uploaded via the online portal. Ensure all referees mention the applicant’s name on every page.
From the Host Institution (Training Institution)
- Letter of Support
- A formal endorsement letter from the department chair or another senior official at the host institution, indicating their willingness to host the applicant if selected.
- Institutional Certification Form
- A completed certification form confirming acceptance of ECTRIMS terms and payment structure.
- This form can be downloaded from the ECTRIMS online system and should be forwarded by the applicant to the institution for signature and return to ECTRIMS.
From the Proposed Mentor
- Mentor Endorsement Letter
- A letter outlining the mentor’s support, past interactions with the applicant, and insights into the proposed research.
- Mentor’s CV
- A brief (maximum 5 pages) CV and bibliography of the mentor using the official ECTRIMS biographical sketch template.
- The applicant is responsible for providing the mentor with this form.
From Other Referees
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- These should come from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional background.
- At least one letter must be from the applicant’s academic advisor or degree mentor.
- (Optional) Letter from Home Institution
- If applicable, provide a letter from the home institution confirming that the applicant will be welcomed back post-fellowship, including details about the position they will hold.
FAQs About
Can I apply without prior research experience in MS-related topics?
Yes, applicants from related neuroscience, immunology, or neurobiology fields are encouraged to apply. However, the research proposal should clearly demonstrate relevance to multiple sclerosis.
Is the fellowship open to applicants worldwide?
Yes. The ECTRIMS fellowship is an international program and accepts applications from candidates of all nationalities, as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
What if I miss the 1 December deadline for external documents?
Late or incomplete applications, including missing confidential letters or institutional forms, may result in disqualification. All required documents must be received by the specified deadline to be considered.
Conclusion
The ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Programme offers early-career neuroscientists a unique opportunity to advance their expertise in multiple sclerosis research through mentored training in European institutions. By fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange, the programme aims to cultivate a global network of skilled researchers dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals affected by MS.
