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
neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org - Technical Assistance:
samsupport@simonsfoundation.org - Office Hours
Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
The Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division is accepting applications for the Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience program. Deadline for application submission: 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Time on May 1, 2025.
Program Overview
In order to advance the frontiers of research in science, 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 during the 2025-2026 academic year with direct mentorship. Fellows may earn up to $7,500 USD at a rate of $25/hour for 10 hours a week over 30 weeks during the academic year. 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 spring 2026.
The SURFiN program is named in honor of neuroscientist Krishna Shenoy.
Informational Webinar
Register here for an informational webinar on April 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The webinar will be recorded and available on this webpage within two weeks.
Lab Opportunities
Applicants must identify at least one (1) opportunity of interest from the List of 2025-2026 SURFiN Lab Opportunities. Applicants may rank up to three (3) opportunities in their application. Participating labs are supported by the Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division, and many labs conduct research related to the missions of 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). Each lab is led by a principal investigator (PI) faculty member at the host institution.
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.
The SURFiN program places fellows in labs within commuting distance of where they typically live. All participating fellows are responsible for coordinating their transportation and any associated costs. 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.
Eligibility
The program is for students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program who have not had access to research training opportunities.
Applicants must remain actively enrolled through at least April 15, 2026. Applicants may be enrolled in a degree program that is in person, virtual or in a hybrid format and may be a part-time or full-time student. Applicants in a dual-degree program must still be enrolled in at least one (1) undergraduate-level course during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Applicants must be able to commute (<1.5 hours) to a 2025-2026 SURFiN Lab Opportunity for regular in-person lab activity from September 2025 through May 2026.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by July 31, 2025.
There are no citizenship requirements.
Applicants must meet any additional criteria required by the individual 2025-2026 SURFiN Lab Opportunities selected in their application.
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 principal investigator (PI) to any Simons Foundation or Simons Foundation International Requests for Applications (RFAs) released by the Simons Foundation. PIs and any project personnel listed on the application who will receive funding for salary, travel, support for students, postdocs or research staff, lab equipment, computing time or other individual expenses may not be employees of the Simons Foundation, which includes the Flatiron Institute.
Fellow Commitment
Undergraduate students accepted into SURFiN are expected to:
- Complete the host institution onboarding requirements, including employment and/or registration of the undergraduate research assistant appointment. Student participation in SURFiN is contingent upon the successful completion of the onboarding process at the host institution in time for the start of the program: September 2025.
- Complete an in-person, paid undergraduate research assistantship from September 2025 through May 2026 with guidance from their assigned SURFiN mentor.
- Participate in career development and community-building activities offered through the SURFiN program, including virtual monthly meetings and a virtual coding boot camp.
- Travel to and present at the Simons Foundation in New York City in April 2026 during an undergraduate research symposium, with travel and lodging coordinated and financially covered by the Simons Foundation.
Potential for SURFiN Summer and/or Second Year:
After the academic year program, PIs, mentors and fellows may have the opportunity to request support for the SURFiN fellow to continue with lab activities for an additional summer and/or second academic year. Simons Foundation staff will review all requests and communicate final decisions to PIs, mentors and fellows. Summer and/or second year support is only possible for fellows who continue to maintain undergraduate enrollment and proximal location to the lab through the time period.
Funding
Grants will be for the period of September 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026. All funds are administered by the SURFiN host laboratory’s institution. Host laboratories are responsible for explaining to fellows how funds will be administered. The institutions of the host laboratories will receive $11,500 USD per fellow, to be used as follows:
- $7,500 USD salary support/stipend to cover the total wages earned by the fellow during the academic year at a rate equivalent to $25/hour for 10 hours a week over 30 weeks. The exact hours per week should be determined by the mentor, fellow, and principal investigator.
- $2,000 USD resource stipend to be used to support the fellow’s work and professional development during the academic year. Allowable expenses include travel costs or registration fees for the SURFiN fellow to attend conferences related to the research project, small equipment such as a laptop computer for coding projects or fees for training courses. Any equipment purchased with these funds will be the property of the lab and should remain with the lab after the SURFiN fellow’s project concludes. Please note that commuting costs are not allowed.
- $2,000 USD administrative fee to be used towards institutional, administrative, indirect and/or overhead costs associated with administering the award, including but not limited to fringe benefit costs, human resources, payroll services and other related grant and project management services. The administrative fee is intended for the use of the host institution, not the fellow.
Funds may be supplemented from other sources of funding, e.g., the host institution, mentoring principal investigator or another fellowship if permissible under the terms of that fellowship.
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.
Application Submission
Applications must be submitted via SAM by 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time on May 1, 2025.
Applicants should review the How to Apply tab for an overview of required application materials. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab provides additional information about the program and application process.
Prior to starting an application, applicants must identify at least one (1) opportunity of interest from the List of 2025-2026 SURFiN Lab Opportunities that is located within commuting distance of where they typically live. See details in the Lab Opportunities and Eligibility sections above.
All application materials will be reviewed by Simons Foundation staff and external reviewers. If selected as a finalist for the program, PIs and mentors will also review the materials.
Interview and Review Process
Reviewers will assess criteria related to the applicant’s potential to engage in and benefit from experience in a scientific laboratory, including, but not limited to, the applicant’s academic and career goals and interests in neuroscience. Prior laboratory experience is not required. Based on this review, the program will identify finalists.
Undergraduate finalists will be invited to interview with potential mentors and PIs June 17 – July 1, 2025. Interviews may be conducted virtually. Applicants not initially selected as finalists may be placed on a waitlist. SURFiN staff assign final mentor-fellow pairings based on many factors, including, but not limited to, post-interview feedback from fellows, mentors and PIs.
Successful applicants will be notified of a lab placement in mid-July 2025 and allowed one (1) week to accept or decline.
PIs and mentors will be notified of the final pairing in late July. PIs and mentors who are successfully paired with one or more fellow(s) will be invited to submit a budget and materials required for funding via SAM, due August 11, 2025.
All fellowships will begin in September 2025.
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.
- 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
neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org - Technical Assistance:
samsupport@simonsfoundation.org - 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 no-reply@simonsfoundation.org.
- 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 neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org and surfin@simonsfoundation.org.
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
neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org - Technical Assistance:
samsupport@simonsfoundation.org - Office Hours
Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
-
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.
-
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 neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org 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 neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org 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.
-
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 samsupport@simonsfoundation.org.
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 no-reply@simonsfoundation.org. Please contact neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org 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 neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org and surfin@simonsfoundation.org. 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 neurogrants@simonsfoundation.org 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.