ECTRIMS Research Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland

The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) offers several fellowship programmes to support early-career scientists, physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and others working on multiple sclerosis (MS)-related research or clinical training. The Research Fellowship Programme specifically aims to enable young neuroscientists and clinicians to conduct basic, clinical, or applied research in MS and related fields under mentor supervision in Europe.

 

Although the fellowship is administered by ECTRIMS (based in Switzerland), the fellowship activities generally take place in European laboratories or clinics. The 2026 cycle is open for applications, with important deadlines and strict eligibility.

 

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Host Organization: European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)
• Study Level: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
• Eligible Nationalities: Open to applicants from all countries (research must take place in Europe)
• Duration: 1 to 2 years
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

 

Benefits

Here are the benefits that fellowship awardees can expect:

• A generous annual stipend, often up to €55,000 for fellows.
• Travel support / reimbursement for economy round-trip transportation between home country and the host institution.
• Mentorship: training and supervision by established researchers/clinicians in MS.
• Opportunity to present research findings at ECTRIMS annual congresses and/or related meetings.
• Institutional support: the host institution is involved, often handles payment of stipend, may provide other research infrastructure.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ECTRIMS Research Fellowship Programme 2026, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Hold an advanced degree (MD, PhD, ScD or equivalent) prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Be a scientist, physician, or equivalent research‐professional with significant interest in MS research (basic, clinical or applied) or related specialties.
• The proposed research training must occur in a European laboratory or clinic.
• The applicant must not have already worked (in any capacity) under the same mentor or at the same institution that they are proposing for the fellowship.
• For applicants with postdoctoral experience: generally, no more than five years of postdoctoral experience beyond the final degree at the time of application.
• At the time of application: no more than one year of prior postdoctoral experience with the same mentor or host institution as proposed, or similarly restrictive rules depending on category.
• They should preferably be under 40 years of age at the time of application; though exceptions may be considered for special circumstances
• Citizens of any country may apply. However, the research training supported by the fellowship must take place in Europe.
• The applicant and mentor must affirm that there are no language barriers that will impede the research training experience.

 

How to Apply for the ECTRIMS Research Fellowship Program 2026

Applying for the ECTRIMS Research Fellowship is done online through the official ECTRIMS Fellowship Application Portal. Follow the steps below carefully:

• Check Eligibility: Before starting your application, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements, including your educational background, research experience, and focus area (multiple sclerosis or related fields).
• Prepare Required Documents: You will need to gather and upload several documents, such as:
  • A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with your educational and research background.
  • A research proposal describing the project you plan to work on.
  • A support letter from your proposed host institution confirming their willingness to supervise your research.
  • A recommendation letter from your current or past supervisor.
  • Copies of your academic transcripts and certificates.
  • A personal motivation statement explaining why you want to pursue this fellowship and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Find a Host Institution: Applicants must secure a host laboratory or research center before applying. The host must be a recognized research institute specializing in multiple sclerosis or neuroscience.
• Submit the Application: Once all documents are ready, fill out the online form and upload the required files on the ECTRIMS Fellowship Application Platform before the deadline.
  (Applications submitted by email or post will not be accepted.)
  
• Selection Process: All applications are reviewed by the ECTRIMS Scientific Review Committee. Candidates are selected based on academic excellence, the quality of the research proposal, and the potential impact of the project.
• Notification: Successful applicants will be contacted directly via email. The list of awarded fellows will also be published on the ECTRIMS official website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ECTRIMS Research Fellowship Program?

• The ECTRIMS Research Fellowship Program is an initiative by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS). It provides young researchers and physicians the opportunity to gain specialized research experience in the field of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at leading research institutions in Europe.

2. Who can apply for the fellowship?

• Applicants must be qualified physicians or scientists holding an MD, PhD, or an equivalent graduate degree. They should have a strong interest in multiple sclerosis research and meet the eligibility criteria set by ECTRIMS, including having a suitable host institution within Europe.

3. Can applicants from outside Europe apply?

• Yes. The program is open to researchers from all countries. However, applicants must conduct their fellowship at a recognized European research center specializing in MS research.

4. What is the duration of the fellowship?

• The fellowship typically lasts one to two years, depending on the proposed research project and the agreement between the fellow and the host institution.

5. What type of research can be conducted under the program?

• The fellowship supports basic, clinical, or applied research related to Multiple Sclerosis. Projects should align with ECTRIMS’ mission to advance understanding and treatment of MS and contribute to new knowledge in the field.

6. What are the benefits of the fellowship?
The ECTRIMS fellowship provides:

• A competitive annual stipend to cover living expenses.
• Travel and research support allowances.
  
• Supervision and mentorship from top MS researchers in Europe.
• Access to ECTRIMS scientific events, training, and collaborative networks.
• Career development and networking opportunities in MS research.

7. How are fellows selected?
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of MS research experts. Selection is based on:

• Scientific merit of the research proposal.
• Applicant’s academic record and potential.
• Quality of the host institution and mentorship.
• Relevance of the research to MS advancement.

8. How can I find a host institution?

• Applicants are responsible for identifying and securing a host research center in Europe before applying. ECTRIMS encourages early communication with potential supervisors to develop a strong joint research proposal.

9. When does the application open and close?

• Applications typically open around October each year and close by December or January, though specific dates are published on the official ECTRIMS website. For the year 2026 session, application opens August 1 and closes December 1.

10. Can the fellowship be extended?

• Extensions may be considered in exceptional cases, but they are not guaranteed. Fellows should plan to complete their projects within the initially approved duration.

11. Will fellows be required to return to their home country after completion?

• There is no mandatory return requirement, but ECTRIMS encourages fellows to apply the skills and knowledge gained during their fellowship to strengthen MS research and care in their home regions.