Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) – Request for Applications 2026

In order to advance the frontiers of research in neuroscience, the Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division recognizes the need to bring new ideas and perspectives by providing pathways to science. The goal of the Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) program is to spark and sustain interest in neuroscience among undergraduate students who have not had access to research training opportunities.

SURFiN provides funds for paid, in-person undergraduate research assistantships during the academic year to students living near Simons Foundation-supported laboratories in the U.S., Canada and Europe. SURFiN fellows will gain hands-on, in-person research experience for 10 hours a week over 30 weeks during the academic year with direct mentorship. SURFiN mentors are typically early career scientists such as graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Fellows and mentors participate in career development activities, including a virtual coding boot camp and a scientific symposium in New York City in the spring.

The SURFiN program is named in honor of neuroscientist Krishna Shenoy.

Through the application process, we match applicants to nearby SURFiN Lab Opportunities. Participating labs are supported by the Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division, including Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB), the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB), the Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE) and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI).

The program encourages mentors to design projects that are accessible to students with a range of skills. Prior laboratory experience is not required of undergraduate applicants.