ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program

ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program: Advancing Multiple Sclerosis Research Globally

Table of Content

Overview of ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program
Benefits of ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program
Eligibility Criteria
Application Process and Important Dates

The ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program is a distinguished initiative aimed at advancing research in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS). Offered by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), this program provides early-career researchers the opportunity to enhance their expertise and contribute to global advancements in MS research.

As multiple sclerosis continues to affect millions worldwide, the need for cutting-edge research to understand its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments is more pressing than ever. The ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Fellowship Exchange Program helps bridge this gap by fostering collaboration among MS researchers from different parts of the world, empowering them with resources and international exposure.

Benefits

The ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers the following benefits to recipients:

Annual Stipend: Fellows will receive an annual stipend of €55,000.
Travel Support: ECTRIMS will cover the economy round-trip travel expenses from the fellow's home country to the training site. Travel expenses for family members are not covered.
Host Institution Payment: The stipend is paid to the host institution, which will act as the employer of the fellow. The institution will then pay the fellow according to its own payment schedule and policies.
Reimbursement for Relocation Costs: Travel expenses related to relocation to the training site may be reimbursed to the fellow, upon submission of receipts to ECTRIMS.
Stipend Allocation: The ECTRIMS award is to be used by the host institution to pay the fellow’s stipend based on their stage of training. If there are any remaining funds, these can be allocated towards institutional benefits such as health care, pension, or other social benefits.
Supplementary Funding: If the stipend and benefits exceed the amount provided by the ECTRIMS award, the host institution or mentor will need to provide additional funds to cover the total required costs.
Salary and Benefits Details: The host institution must specify the fellow’s total salary and the cost of social benefits (e.g., healthcare, pension) for each year.
Additional Funding: If the total costs exceed the stipend amount, additional funding sources must be identified by the host institution to cover the difference.
Research Support: The research work conducted by the fellow at the host institution will be supported by the institution and mentor.
No Extra Support for Additional Expenses: No additional funding will be provided for travel, books, journal subscriptions, etc.
Congress Participation: Fellows are required to attend annual ECTRIMS Congresses during their fellowship term and present their research at a young researcher’s section or other relevant presentations. ECTRIMS will cover the travel and accommodation expenses for congress participation separately.

Eligibility Criteria

Required Languages: As per the requirements of the host institution.
Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries worldwide.

Candidates must have completed their advanced degree(s) before starting the fellowship.
At the time of application, fellows should have no more than one year of postdoctoral training at the same host institution or with the same mentor. More experienced candidates may have up to 5 years of total postdoctoral experience (beyond their final degree, such as PhD, MD, ScD, or equivalent).
Scientists and physicians holding or pursuing an MD, PhD, ScD, or equivalent professional degree are eligible.
Successful applicants are generally expected to be under 40 years of age at the time of application, though exceptions may be considered under special circumstances.
Language proficiency: Both candidates and mentors must confirm that there will be no language barriers hindering the training process.
The fellowship is open to citizens of any country, but the postdoctoral research must take place in a European laboratory or clinic.
While not mandatory, it is preferred that fellows return to their original institution for employment after the fellowship period. Applicants should outline their post-fellowship career plans in their application.

Application Process

To apply for the ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Program, please follow these steps:

Create an Account: Click on “Apply Now” and set up an account.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the required application form.
Submit the Following Documents:
- An abbreviated CV and bibliography of the applicant, not exceeding 5 pages. Use the "biographical sketch" form provided by ECTRIMS, available in the online application system.
- A completed online application, available on the ECTRIMS website (www.ectrims.eu).
- A career plan (up to 1 page).
- A research project abstract (up to 250 words).
- A detailed research project description, not exceeding 6 pages, including figures, tables, and references.
- Proof of the applicant’s local language knowledge (e.g., certificate).
Submit Additional Documents Electronically by 1 December:

These items must be sent as confidential documents to fellowship@ectrims.eu and should not be included with the materials submitted in Step 3. Ensure referees clearly state the applicant's name on all pages of their letters.
- From the training institution:
  1. A letter of support from the department chair (or other relevant official) at the proposed host institution, confirming acceptance of the fellow if awarded the fellowship.
  2. Certification from the training institution confirming acceptance of the terms of the ECTRIMS fellowship and payment details. The necessary form is available in the online application system and should be completed by the institution and returned to ECTRIMS.
- From the proposed mentor:
  - A letter of endorsement from the proposed mentor, with emphasis on their prior interactions with the fellow and the proposed research plan.
  - An abbreviated CV and bibliography of the proposed mentor, not exceeding 5 pages, using the "biographical sketch" form available in the online application system.
- From other referees:
  - At least three reference letters from professionals familiar with the applicant, addressing the fellow’s qualifications and potential for success in research and/or clinical work. One of these letters must come from the applicant’s degree mentor.
  - If applicable, a letter from the home institution confirming that the fellow will be welcomed back after the fellowship, including details of the available position.

Important Dates

Deadline: December 1, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply