Simons Symposia – 2028 Request for Applications

The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics and Physical Sciences division invites proposals for its Simons Symposia series, which brings together mathematicians, theoretical physicists and theoretical computer scientists to interact and collaborate in a series of three symposia, held every two years and focusing on one topic or a tightly connected group of topics.

The first meetings in the new series will start in the summer of 2028, and the foundation expects to select up to two series in mathematics and two series in theoretical physics.

A symposium series consists of up to three weeklong meetings on one topic or a tightly connected group of topics. A symposium series is initially approved for one year and renewed for up to two more meetings if successful. If the first meeting in the series occurs in year N, then subsequent meetings would occur in years N+2 and N+4.

Each symposium in the series may have up to 23 participants, including its organizing committee (two to four leaders in a field). It will have a schedule that leaves sufficient time for collaborations and open-ended discussions, with up to four lectures per day over five days. In some areas, a tight focus on a new research development or a specific research problem would be appropriate; in others, a symposium might help set an agenda for the field. See previous Simons Symposia for reference.

Participation in a symposium is by invitation only. Participants are required to attend all events during the symposium. The Simons Foundation will issue invitations upon the recommendation of the organizers. The foundation will also make travel arrangements for all participants and will provide support at the conference site. All expenses will be covered by the foundation, including travel, lodging and meals.

Proposals for new series will be judged on the basis of the significance and timeliness of the topic, the appropriateness of the symposium format, the likelihood of interesting science being completed or sparked, and the scientific quality of the organizing committee.

Institutional involvement and approval are not required for the application, and applicants from within or outside the United States are eligible.

It is against Simons Foundation policy for guests, including spouses and family members, to accompany participants during the meeting week. Guests are welcome to join participants prior to or at the conclusion of the symposium at their own expense. The Simons Foundation will not cover expenses associated with such extensions and will not arrange accommodation or travel for guests.