Fellowship Program

Fellowship Program

Since 2008, RIMS is proud to offer the Fellowship Exchange Programme (RIMS Fellowship) to support training and professional development in MS rehabilitation across Europe.

This programme is dedicated to young European professionals—preferably non-doctors—who are working in the field of Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation. Each year, RIMS supports up to four fellowships, each lasting one week, with €1,000 in reimbursement per fellowship.

The goal of the Fellowship Programme is to promote a multidisciplinary approach to MS rehabilitation and foster international exchange of knowledge and experience among young professionals working at RIMS Member Centres.

Fellows are encouraged to pursue training opportunities in other RIMS centres, enhancing their practical experience and building collaborations across Europe.

Application Criteria

Mandatory:

• Applicants must be a RIMS member (individual or representing a RIMS Member Centre) at the time of submission.
• Submissions must be sent electronically and within the stated deadlines.

Recommended:

• Applicants are early-career professionals (36 years old or younger).
• Cross-centre exchanges between different countries are encouraged.

How to Apply

To apply for the RiMS Fellowship, applicants must be affiliated with a RiMS Member Centre or hold a RiMS Membership at the time of submission. Please consult the eligibility criteria in the PDF document below before proceeding.

The application process involves the completion and submission of the following three forms:

1. Application Form: To be completed by the applicant. This form should outline the objectives, motivation, and planned activities of the exchange, demonstrating how the fellowship will contribute to professional growth and support the multidisciplinary goals of MS rehabilitation.
2. Receiving Centre Form: To be completed by the host centre where the fellowship will take place. This form confirms the host's willingness and ability to organize a one-week visit, including any planned activities, supervision, and support to the fellow during the exchange.
3. Refunding Form: To be submitted after the visit is completed. This form is used to request reimbursement of the fellowship grant (up to €1,000), and must include supporting documents (e.g. proof of travel, receipts, etc.).

Additionally, within three weeks after the visit, the fellow is required to submit a short evaluation report, summarizing the experience, outcomes, and any follow-up actions or collaborations that emerged from the exchange.

Download the forms

Next Call for Applications - Fellowship Program 2025

The first cohort application deadline is 5 September 2025, and applicants will be notified by 7 October 2025.

The second cohort will open on 1 November 2025, with a submission deadline of 2 December 2025. Notifications will be sent out by 10 January 2026.

History of Fellowship Program

2025 Fellowship

• Pedro Amorim (Portugal) visited Hospital de Gorliz (Spain), observing innovative practices in Multiple Sclerosis neurorehabilitation and multidisciplinary team dynamics in an inpatient setting.
• Irati Caceres-Ruiz (Spain) trained at CEMCAT (Spain), delving into rehabilitation programs and assessment tools, with a focus on gait and cognitive rehabilitation.
• Charlotte Rydal (UK) joined the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center (Ry), engaging in evidence-based clinical rehabilitation, including patient involvement in program design.

2022 Fellowship

• Morten Riemenschneider (Denmark) visited CEMCAT (Spain), gaining hands-on insight into MS rehabilitation post-acute relapse and engaging with multidisciplinary care.
• Gary McEwan (UK) spent time at Aarhus University and the Danish MS Hospitals, expanding collaboration in exercise and physical activity for MS.
• Sinéad Hynes (Ireland) attended MS-Senteret Hakadal (Norway), learning about intensive, team-based rehabilitation for newly diagnosed people with MS.

2019 Fellowship

• Dr. Gogem Topcu (UK) joined the Amsterdam MS Centre, initiating a collaborative meta-synthesis protocol and contributing expertise in qualitative research in progressive MS care.
• Verónica Gemma García Martí (Spain) traveled to Sheba Medical Centre (Israel), where she participated in hydrotherapy, cognitive programs, and patient-centered multidisciplinary sessions.

2018 Fellowship

• Loreta Strumylaite (Lithuania) trained at S. Raffaele Centre in Milan, Italy, exploring motor and cognitive rehabilitation for MS and the use of robotics.
• Antonio Iáñez (Spain) visited Hasselt University, Belgium, engaging with clinical neurorehabilitation research, including virtual reality for gait training in MS.
• Corina Păcurar (Romania) joined MS-Senteret Hakadal, Norway, experiencing individualized MS rehabilitation and psychosocial approaches in a highly structured setting.