Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics

The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) division invites applications for the new Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics to provide research support to excellent graduate students in the final years of their Ph.D. studies. This program has been created to honor the work of our late co-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, 2025, 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 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.

An additional 20 percent for indirect costs ($3,200 per year), per the foundation’s indirect cost policy.

Grantees will be awarded a total of $38,400 USD.

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.

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 2025.

How to Apply

Applicants must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM), https://sam.simonsfoundation.org/. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025, 12 p.m. (noon) EDT.

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. 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.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The foundation encourages applications from students from underrepresented groups in mathematics.

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to grantmaking that inspires and supports greater diversity and inclusiveness by cultivating a funding environment that ensures representation of all identities and differences and equitable access to information and resources for all applicants and grantees.

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. The foundation also funds programs directed at supporting scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds or underrepresented groups, often working closely with professional societies and other funding agencies.