Introduction to Simons Foundation MPS Grant

The Simons Foundation's Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) division is offering Targeted Grants to Institutes. This program aims to provide funding for up to three years to established institutes or centres specializing in mathematics, theoretical physics and theoretical computer science. The grants are designed to help these institutions strengthen their international scientific connections and enhance their missions. This program does not provide core funding for starting or operating an institute.

Scope of Work

The funding supports activities that enhance the institute's mission and broaden its reach within the international scientific community. This can include:

• Visiting Scholars/Professors Programs: Bringing in leading researchers for extended stays.

• Workshops/Conferences: Organizing gatherings focused on specific themes or hot topics.

• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Supporting early-career researchers.

• Travel Grants: Facilitating international collaboration and attendance at conferences.

• Special Program Initiatives: Activities that align with the institute's unique goals.

Eligibility

• Established U.S. and foreign public and private educational institutions and nonprofit institutes and research centres are eligible.

• Centres or institutes within larger universities are eligible if their main focus is on strengthening contacts within the wider scientific community.

• Institutes focused primarily on supporting local faculty research at their university are not eligible.

• National labs and institutions focused mainly on experimental work are not eligible.

Budget and Duration

• Award Amount: Up to $250,000 per year (includes up to 20% indirect costs).

• Duration: Up to 3 years.

• Start Date: No earlier than January 1, 2025, and no later than July 1, 2025.

• Renewal: Awards are not renewable. However, awardees can reapply after their current award ends.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: October 3, 2024, noon EDT.

• Notification: By December 31, 2024.

Application Process

• All applications must be submitted online via the Simons Award Manager (SAM) portal: https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/

• New applicants need to register in SAM.

• Those with existing ProposalCentral accounts should have a SAM profile using the same email address. Use the "Forgot Password?" option to access your account.

• Refer to the "How to Apply" tab on the grant page for detailed instructions and required documents.

Selection Process

Not specifically detailed in the document, but it is mentioned that proposals will be competitively reviewed

• Simons Award Manager (SAM) FAQs and Instructional Videos

• Office Hours:

  • Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (excluding holidays)

• Office Closures:

  • November 27–29, 2024

  • December 24, 2024–January 1, 2025

  • January 20, 2025

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.