Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics Grant

The Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics, offered by the Simons Foundation, supports exceptional Ph.D. students in their final years of study. This fellowship, honoring co-founder Jim Simons, provides $19,200 annually for research support and departmental funds, commencing September 1, 2025. Eligible candidates must be full-time Ph.D. students in a U.S. mathematics department, entering their third year. The program emphasizes research quality, significance, and potential impact.

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, the significance of the applicant’s previous research, and the promise of the pursued research program.
Funding Details
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.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

An applicant must be enrolled as a 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.

Ineligibility

These funds cannot be used for the travel of others, whether collaborators or visitors.