MS Society Early Career Fellowships

The MS Society Early Career Fellowships are the society's flagship postdoctoral award for MS research and sit under Multiple Sclerosis Society UK's career development portfolio. They typically provide GBP 300,000 to GBP 375,000 over up to four years for researchers building independence in the field. The award covers salary support, up to GBP 80,000 in running costs, and up to GBP 4,000 for travel and conferences. The lead applicant must be the prospective Early Career Fellow with a relevant PhD, and the work must be hosted by a UK university or NHS institution. The scheme supports flexible and part-time working at a minimum of 50% FTE, and co-funded clinical variants are available with UK Research and Innovation, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the Association of British Neurologists. This is the clearest route for a postdoc who needs protected time, a modest project budget, and a visible development path in MS research. An optional ECR PPI Partnership Scheme adds support for lay summaries and patient involvement planning, which gives applicants a concrete way to show public engagement. The 2026 round closed in March, with outcomes in August and a new round expected later in the year. Success rates were 17% in 2024 and 40% in 2023.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.