Simons Collaborations in Mathematics and the Physical Sciences – Request for Applications 2028: FAQs

There is no explicit or implicit aim to fund multi-institutional collaborations. There is no requirement that at least one of the PIs be from a different department, university, state or nation. However, this is the likely scenario for many of the proposals.

More PIs can be added at the full proposal stage, after an LOI is approved. After the full proposal decision, additional PIs can only be added for the collaboration renewal period to be assessed in the collaboration renewal report. LOIs and full proposals, however, will be judged in part on the quality of the proposed PIs.

The foundation would allow experimental components if they are essential to the science. A proposal primarily for experiment would not be appropriate.

No, but we suggest at least seven to eight.

A PI is allowed to be a PI in an active MPS collaboration and a Life Sciences collaboration at the same time, as long as they appropriately delineate the work, time and effort for both awards. Please see the Collaborations in MPS RFA for more information on the limit on the number of MPS collaborations per PI/director. Questions related to Life Sciences collaborations and eligibility should be directed to [email protected].

The foundation only recognizes one director per collaboration; any other title provided to PIs by a collaboration is a matter internal to that collaboration.

No, we are not considering proposals in chemistry at this time.

Yes, there is no limit to the number of times one can reapply.

Yes, being a Simons Fellow or a Simons Investigator (in either math, physics, astrophysics or computer science) does not disqualify you from applying as part of a collaboration project. However, an active Math+X Investigator cannot be an active collaboration director or PI.

No. Please be advised that all deadlines are in Eastern time. We recommend registering early and submitting with ample time for corrections prior to the deadline hour. Site traffic can slow page-load times. You will not be able to submit after the deadline has passed.

No changes are allowed on the application after submission. Applications can only be changed prior to the deadline by clicking on the Revise button. For full proposals, once revised, the application must be sent for sign-off and signed by the Signing Official again in order to resubmit — this must happen before the deadline. No extensions will be provided for revisions.

For assistance navigating SAM, please refer to the SAM frequently asked questions and instructional videos webpage.

Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations, The Simons Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation” or “SF”) reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (“SFI”) for consideration and funding. SFI and SF have entered into an agreement pursuant to which SF provides program operations and grant administration services, including payment processing, to SFI. SFI grant recipients are subject to SF policies and procedures.