Funding Opportunity Overview

The Simons Foundation's Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) division is offering the Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics. This fellowship aims to support outstanding graduate students during the final years of their Ph.D. studies. The program honors the legacy of Jim Simons and his dedication to the field of mathematics.

Funding decisions will be based on the applicant's quality, the significance of their prior research, and the promise of their proposed research program. This fellowship provides crucial support for students completing their doctoral work.

The fellowship provides $19,200 per year for two years, commencing on September 1, 2025. This funding is intended to coincide with the fourth and fifth years of the Fellow's Ph.D. program.

Grant Details and Usage

Each fellow will receive $15,000 per year for general research support. This portion of the grant can be used at the Fellow's discretion for various research-related expenses. Examples include summer stipends, travel to conferences, and purchasing necessary research materials.

Additionally, $1,000 per year will be allocated to the Fellow's department as discretionary funds. The department chair has sole discretion over these funds, which should enhance the department's research environment. These funds can support colloquia, student orientations, meals, and research infrastructure.

The grant also includes an additional 20 percent for indirect costs ($3,200 per year), in accordance with the foundation's indirect cost policy. Grantees will be awarded a total of $38,400 USD over the two-year period.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must be full-time Ph.D. students in a mathematics department at a U.S. institution. The department must grant Ph.D. degrees in mathematics. Applicants must be in their third year of a five-year Ph.D. program at the time of application.

There are no citizenship requirements for this fellowship. Applicants must apply during their third year of their Ph.D. program to be considered.

Unspent funds can be carried forward annually. Any funds remaining at the end of the grant period should continue to support graduate students in the mathematics department. If the awardee leaves the Ph.D. program, the institution should use the remaining funds to support other graduate students in mathematics.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications must be submitted through the Simons Award Manager (SAM) at https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/. The application deadline is March 31, 2025, at 12 p.m. (noon) EDT. Be sure to start and submit the application under your own account.

The application requires a statement of research plans (two-page limit), a letter from the thesis advisor (two-page limit), and an applicant biosketch. Indicate if generative AI technology was used to develop your proposal.

The foundation expects to award up to 40 dissertation fellowships for 2025. Ensure all required information is complete before submitting the application.

Reporting and Additional Information

The grant requires the submission of a countersigned award letter. No additional reporting will be required beyond this initial document.

The Simons Foundation is committed to expanding pathways to science and opportunities for all. They provide equal opportunities to all applicants for funding, regardless of background.

The Simons Foundation reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (SFI) for evaluation and funding, in which case SFI’s grant policies would apply.