Career Transition Fellowships: Non-U.S. Institutions Grant

Career Transition Fellowships: Non-U.S. Institutions Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Summary

The National MS Society offers Career Transition Fellowships for non-U.S. institutions to support the development of young scientists dedicated to MS research. This fellowship is aimed at postdoctoral trainees who have shown exceptional potential in their field. Recipients receive funding for two years of advanced training and three years of research support in a faculty position. Proposals must align with the Society's priority research areas, contributing to innovative solutions for those affected by MS.

Overview

NOTE: See page for applicants from U.S. Institutions here. National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions. Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap: STOPPING MSRESTORING functionENDING MS by prevention MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS. Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap. The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes. We value studies that: promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research). Career Transition Fellowships The Career Transition Fellowship targets current postdoctoral trainees who demonstrate both commitment and exceptional potential to conduct MS-related research. The award provides funding over five years to support a two-year period of advanced postdoctoral training in MS research and the first three years of research support in a new faculty appointment.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Previous Training: Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent) and must be in a research-oriented postdoctoral training program at an academic, government, or non-profit research institution. Clinically related training periods such as medical residencies or sub specialty fellowships will not be counted towards an applicant’s eligibility requirement for postdoctoral research experience.Citizenship: There are no citizenship requirements for individuals applying from U.S. institutions. However, individuals seeking support for advanced postdoctoral training at foreign institutions must be U.S. citizens.Advanced Postdoctoral Period: The applicant must arrange for the proposed advanced postdoctoral training with an appropriate mentor and institution prior to submitting an application.Whether this phase is proposed to occur with the applicant’s current mentor and institution or take place with a new mentor and institution, the plan should demonstrate that new training will be obtained.Faculty Support Period: The recipient of this fellowship must secure a faculty position at a research institution prior to completion of the two-year advanced training period. The faculty appointment may be at the same institution used for the advanced training period, providing that independence is demonstrated, or may be at a new institution. There are no citizenship requirements for individuals regardless of the location during the faculty support period.

Ineligibility

Individuals with less than two or more than five years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application are ineligible for this award. Transition fellowships are awarded to support training in research and are not intended to support clinical training directed toward the completion of internship and/or specialty board certification or as a substitute for funding the conduct of research ordinarily provided by the award. Similarly, transition fellowships cannot be used to provide support for individuals whose primary responsibility is teaching and/or service, although fellows are allowed to spend up to ten percent of their time in teaching or clinical duties, if appropriate.