The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) division invites applications for the Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics to provide 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.
Basis for Awards
Funding will be based on the quality of the applicant, significance of the applicant’s previous research and promise of the pursued research program.
Funding Details
The grant will commence September 1, 2026, for a two-year period, to coincide with the final fourth and fifth years of the Fellow’s Ph.D. program. 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% of direct costs per the foundation’s indirect costs policy.
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant must be enrolled as 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.
Note: Simons Foundation employees who receive a W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the Simons Foundation, including employees of the Flatiron Institute, may not apply as a PI to any Simons Foundation or Simons Foundation International RFAs released by the Simons Foundation. If the applicant will receive funding for salary, travel, support for students, postdocs or research staff, lab equipment, computing time or other individual expenses they may not be employees of the Simons Foundation, which includes the Flatiron Institute.
Unspent Funds
Unspent funds may be carried forward annually. Unspent funds at the end of the grant should continue to be used towards 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.
Number of Awards
The foundation expects to award up to 40 dissertation fellowships for 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM), https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/. The deadline to submit applications is February 25, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time.
Please refer to the How to Apply tab for instructions.
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.
Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science and Opportunities for All
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.