Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN)
- SAM Opens for Applications
- Informational Webinar
- Application Deadline
- Mentor and Fellow Interviews
June 17–July 1, 2025 - Fellows Notified of Lab Placement
- PIs and Mentors Notified of Pairing
- Start Date
- SAM Opens for Applications
- Informational Webinar
- Application Deadline
- Mentor and Fellow Interviews
June 17–July 1, 2025 - Fellows Notified of Lab Placement
- PIs and Mentors Notified of Pairing
- Start Date
- Inquiries
[email protected] - Technical Assistance:
[email protected] - Office Hours
Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
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 the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB), the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB) 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.
- SAM Opens for Applications
- Informational Webinar
- Application Deadline
- Mentor and Fellow Interviews
June 17–July 1, 2025 - Fellows Notified of Lab Placement
- PIs and Mentors Notified of Pairing
- Start Date
- Inquiries
[email protected] - Technical Assistance:
[email protected] - Office Hours
Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
The deadline for application submission is 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time on May 1, 2025.
Simons Award Manager (SAM)
Applications, also known as ‘Letter of Intent’ (LOI), must be submitted via Simons Award Manager (SAM). Please click on the ‘Funding Opportunities’ icon and navigate to the ‘Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) Student’ call. Click the ‘Create Application’ button to begin.
Application Components
We provide an overview of the application materials below. For the full instructions, applicants must review the Step-by-Step SAM Instructions and read the full application questions in SAM.
Application materials, including letters of reference, must be submitted in English, with the exception of the transcript. SURFiN activities are held in Standard American English.
Statement of Interest (300 words or less)
- The SURFiN program provides pathways to science for students to bring new ideas and perspectives to neuroscience research. The goal of the program is to spark and sustain interest in neuroscience among undergraduate students who have not had access to research training opportunities. The program prioritizes providing research training for students who have not had access to these opportunities. Please describe how participation in this program can help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Research Experience Summary (300 words or less)
- The program prioritizes providing research training for students who have not had access to these opportunities. Applicants are not expected to have research experience.
- If you have no prior research experience, please 1) explain any barriers you have experienced toward pursuing research opportunities thus far and 2) describe how this program will expand your ability to access research opportunities.
- If you have any prior or planned research experience, please 1) briefly describe the experience and 2) explain any remaining barriers you have experienced toward pursuing research opportunities, 3) describe how this program will expand your ability to access research opportunities. Research experiences can be in the following subject areas: neuroscience, psychology, biology, computer science, math, physics or other relevant subjects.
Select 1–3 SURFiN Lab Opportunities
- The complete list of lab opportunities for the 2025–2026 SURFiN program can be found here. Applicants must be able to commute (<1.5 hours) to a SURFiN laboratory for regular in-person lab activity.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume (1 page)
Official or Unofficial Transcript
- If your current transcript contains transfer credits from another undergraduate institution, please include transcripts showing grade reports from all colleges or universities you’ve attended.
- If an English translation of your transcript is not available, you may submit your transcript in the native language of your institution’s country.
Letter of Reference
- At least one (1) and up to two (2) letters of reference are required. Letter writers should be able to speak to the applicant’s potential to engage in and benefit from the program. Letter-writers may include, but are not limited to, academic advisors, academic or career counselors, professors or instructors, work supervisors, teaching assistants or resident advisors. Letters must be submitted through SAM.
Additional Information (optional; 100 words or less)
- Please include additional information or circumstances not reflected elsewhere in your application. This may include an explanation of factors that may have affected your past academic or extracurricular performance, such as family care responsibilities, illness, military service or other factors.
Submit Application
- When complete, click on the ‘Submit Application’ button. A confirmation page will appear once the application is successfully submitted. A confirmation email is also sent upon submission. Please make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected].
- You will not be able to submit an application if the deadline has passed.
Please monitor your inbox and make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected] and [email protected].
We encourage applicants to monitor the status of the submission through SAM periodically.
Grant Policies
Please refer to our grant policies for guidelines. Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations The Simons Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (SFI) for consideration and funding, in which case SFI’s grant policies would apply.
- SAM Opens for Applications
- Informational Webinar
- Application Deadline
- Mentor and Fellow Interviews
June 17–July 1, 2025 - Fellows Notified of Lab Placement
- PIs and Mentors Notified of Pairing
- Start Date
- Inquiries
[email protected] - Technical Assistance:
[email protected] - Office Hours
Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
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SURFiN Program Activities and Funding
Are SURFiN activities in-person or virtual?
SURFiN is an in-person research experience with career development and community-building activities that take place virtually and in-person. Students accepted to SURFiN can expect to travel to and present research at the Simons Foundation in New York City in spring 2026.
If I get accepted, when can I start the research assistantship?The research assistantship can begin as early as September 2025 if the student has completed the host institution’s onboarding requirements. For more information, please see the request for applications (RFA).
If I get accepted, what will my lab schedule be?The exact hours per week will be determined by the mentor, fellow and principal investigator. SURFiN provides funds for fellows to be in the lab approximately 10 hours a week over 30 weeks from September 2025 through May 2026. Generally, fellows split the hours over more than one day of the week, and fellows and mentors discuss the work schedule around classes, school breaks and holidays. If selected for SURFiN, we recommend students consider their course load, commitments and commute time when discussing their schedule with the host lab.
What is the maximum amount I could be paid in this program?The SURFiN program provides $7,500 USD for salary support/stipend to the SURFiN host laboratory’s institution. Please review the funding information on the RFA.
Are commuting or transportation costs to and from the SURFiN laboratory covered through the fellowship?No. All participating students are responsible for coordinating their transportation and any associated costs.
What can the $2,000 resource stipend be used for?The SURFiN Program provides a $2,000 USD resource stipend to the SURFiN host laboratory’s institution to be used to support the fellow’s work and professional development during the academic year. Please review the funding information on the RFA.
Can I receive academic credit for the fellowship?Academic credit is subject to the policies of the student’s undergraduate institution. All participating undergraduate students should reach out to their institutions to inquire about their eligibility to receive academic credit for their lab work. The SURFiN Program does not intend for students to forgo the stipend in order to receive academic credit. Students should confirm with their undergraduate institution if they will be able to continue to receive compensation if they are eligible to receive academic credit for their fellowship.
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Eligibility for the SURFiN Program
Do I need to have prior experience working in a lab or research setting?
No. Prior laboratory experience is not required. The program prioritizes providing research training for students who have not had access to these opportunities.
I am not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Am I eligible to apply?Yes. There are no citizenship requirements, and permanent resident status is not required.
Do I need to attend the same institution as the lab I’m interested in working in?No. You may select a lab opportunity at another institution so long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the SURFiN Program and eligibility requirements for the individual SURFiN lab.
The program prioritizes providing research training for students who have not had access to these opportunities.
The SURFiN program places fellows in labs within commuting distance of where they typically live. The program will not review applications for labs that are greater than a 1.5-hour commute (one-way by car or public transit) from the applicant’s residence or would require the applicant to move or relocate.
Can I relocate to a city where a SURFiN lab is located?No. The program will not review applications for labs that are greater than a 1.5-hour commute (one-way by car or public transit) from the applicant’s residence or would require the applicant to move or relocate. The SURFiN program does not organize relocation or include relocation assistance.
Does SURFiN sponsor visas?No. The SURFiN program does not organize or sponsor visas. The SURFiN program does not organize relocation or include relocation assistance, nor can we delay the start of the program due to delays in obtaining work authorization, if required by the host institution.
I will be taking a gap year or a leave of absence from my undergraduate degree during the 2025–2026 academic year. Am I eligible to apply?No. Students on a leave of absence or not actively completing coursework towards their degree during the academic year 2025–2026 are not eligible to apply.
I am in the process of transferring to a different college or university. Am I eligible to apply?Yes. You should identify SURFiN lab opportunities that are within commuting distance of the college or university you will be attending during the 2025–2026 academic year. If you are transferring to a different undergraduate institution or are unsure where you will be attending in the 2025–2026 academic year, you must contact [email protected] before submitting an application.
If I graduate in early May 2026, am I still eligible?Yes. Applicants must remain actively enrolled through at least April 15, 2026.
I am a graduating high school senior who will be enrolled in an undergraduate program starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Am I eligible to apply?No. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program at the time of application submission.
What if my eligibility status changes?All applicants with proposals under review who have a change in their eligibility status, for example, due to a change in enrollment status or transfer to a different institution must notify [email protected] as soon as possible.
I currently work in a lab that is not on the list of SURFiN lab opportunities. Can I apply and request to be matched with my current lab?No. The SURFiN program only matches undergraduate students to the labs currently listed as SURFiN lab opportunities here. We will not accept requests for any additional labs.
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Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission and Review Process
Is there an instructional guide about how to use the Simons Award Manager (SAM)?
A summary of instructions on how to submit the LOI for this program can be found here. For general instructions, informational videos or answers to frequently asked questions on how to navigate SAM, please reference the videos available here.
Full step-by-step instructions and a description of application materials are provided within the application in SAM. Applicants must download and read the instructions carefully.
If I am selected for an interview, will that interview be virtual or in person?After receiving the notification, you and the mentor/PI can determine the format of the interview (virtual or in-person).
Are letters of reference required?Yes. At least one (1) and up to two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Letter writers should be able to speak to the applicant’s potential to engage in and benefit from the program. This includes, but is not limited to, academic advisors, academic or career counselors, professors or instructors, work supervisors, teaching assistants or resident advisors. Confidential letters must be submitted through SAM.
We strongly recommend that applicants begin the online application in SAM as soon as possible to ensure that letters of recommendation are submitted in time.
Can I email or mail my letter of intent (LOI)?No. We only accept LOIs submitted online through SAM. Full instructions on how to submit an LOI are provided in the How to Apply instructions.
I get an error message citing a missing section when I try to submit the LOI.The ‘Check Application Progress’ button reviews your proposal for missing sections. The submission instructions list the required sections and attachments. You must complete the missing items listed in the error message before you can submit your LOI. If you are still receiving error messages after completing and saving the indicated sections, please contact [email protected].
How do I submit? Will I receive a confirmation email when I submit?When the LOI is complete, please click on the ‘Submit Application’ button. A confirmation page will appear once the LOI is successfully submitted. A confirmation email is also sent upon submission. Please make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected]. Please contact [email protected] if you did not receive a confirmation email and it is not in your spam folder. The LOI will appear in the ‘Submitted’ tab of the ‘Applications in Progress’ table. Please note that you will not be able to submit an LOI if the deadline has passed.
Once your application has been submitted, we will be in touch if we require any additional information or revisions for your submission. Please monitor your inbox and make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected] and [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the status of the submission through SAM periodically.
Are deadline times adjusted for time zones?No. Please be advised that 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.
Can I make changes to the LOI once it has been submitted?You must contact us prior to the 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time May 1, 2025, deadline in order to make changes to your application. Please email [email protected] if you would like to un-submit your LOI for any modifications. Changes to your application will not be allowed after the deadline.
When will applicants be notified of fellow decisions?After the interviews, undergraduate finalists who are successfully paired with a lab will be notified of their lab placements by July 21, 2025, and allowed up to one week to accept or decline. All students not paired with a lab can expect to receive a formal notification regarding their application status by July 21, 2025. For more details, please refer to the RFA.