Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics – Request for Applications 2027

The Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics provides research support to excellent graduate students in the final years of their Ph.D. studies. This program was created to honor the work of our late founder, Jim Simons, and his commitment to supporting the field of mathematics.

Funding will be based on the quality of the applicant, significance of the applicant’s previous research and promise of the pursued research program.

• An applicant must be enrolled as a full-time Ph.D. student in a Ph.D.–granting mathematics department at an institution in the United States, and must be in their third year of study of a five-year Ph.D. program.
• Applicants must apply in the third year of their Ph.D. program.
• There are no citizenship requirements.

Simons Foundation (“the Foundation” or “SF”) employees who receive a W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the Foundation, including employees of the Flatiron Institute, may not apply as a principal investigator (PI) to any SF or Simons Foundation International (“SFI”) Requests for Applications (RFAs) released by the Foundation. PIs and any project personnel listed on the application who will receive funding for salary; travel; support for students, postdocs or research staff; lab equipment, computing time or other individual expenses may not be employees of the Foundation, which includes the Flatiron Institute.

• Award Amount: $38,400 USD, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs (see grant policies);
• Award Duration: September 1, 2027, through August 31, 2029, to coincide with the final fourth and fifth years of the fellow’s Ph.D. program;
• Number of Awards: We expect to select up to 40 applications for funding.
• Use of Funds: The grant will provide $19,200 per year for a total of $38,400 USD as follows:
  $15,000 per year in general research support, to be used at the sole discretion of the fellow, in such areas as:
  • Fellow summer stipend;
  • Domestic or international scientific travel to conferences and meetings that further the fellow’s research and professional development, as well as visits to other institutions to pursue research. These funds cannot be used for the travel of others, whether collaborators or visitors.
  • Research related expenses for the fellow, such as computers, computer support, publication expenses, stationery, supplies, books and membership fees to professional organizations.

  $1,000 per year to the fellow’s department as discretionary funds, to be used at the sole discretion of the department chair, to enhance the research atmosphere of the department. Funds may be used for such expenses as:

  • Support for departmental colloquia and seminars, as well as refreshments and other research-related amenities;
  • Support for student orientations, prospective student visits and other departmental activities;
  • Subsidizing meals for faculty, students and visitors;
  • Furniture and research infrastructure, such as copiers, computers and software.

  $3,200 per year for indirect costs, equal to 20%  percent of direct costs per the foundation’s indirect costs policy.

Applicants must submit a full application via Simons Award Manager (SAM) by February 25, 2027. Applications will be reviewed by Simons Foundation scientific staff and an expert review committee.

In advance of the application deadline, applicants must invite their Thesis Advisor to upload a confidential letter of reference in SAM. An application cannot be submitted until a reference is uploaded.

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.

The following policy exceptions and/or terms are also in effect for these awards:

• Unspent Funds: May be carried forward annually. Unspent funds at the end of the grant should continue to be used toward the aims of the grant to support graduate students in the mathematics department, and can be expended indefinitely for the duration that funds remain. If the awardee transfers or otherwise leaves the Ph.D. program, funds should be used by the institution in line with the goals of the grant to support graduate students in the mathematics department.
• Reporting: The grant will require the submission of a countersigned award letter. No additional reporting will be required.

Additional award terms may be included in the official award notification. Grantees are subject to the conditions outlined in their official award notification.

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants for funding without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.