Simons Symposia Grant Program

Simons Symposia Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Simons Foundation Inc.
Last Updated: August 31, 2025

Summary

The Simons Symposia Grant Program by the Simons Foundation invites proposals for symposia series in mathematics and theoretical physics. These symposia unite experts to collaborate on focused topics, with meetings scheduled every two years starting in spring 2027. Up to 23 participants per symposium are allowed, all expenses covered by the foundation. This initiative aims to stimulate significant scientific discussions and developments in the respective fields.

Overview

About Us The Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) division, established in 2010, supports research in mathematics, theoretical physics and theoretical computer science, by providing funding for individuals, institutions, and science infrastructure. Simons Symposia Grant Program The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics and Physical Sciences division invites proposals for its Simons Symposia series, which brings together mathematicians, theoretical physicists and theoretical computer scientists to interact and collaborate in a series of three symposia, held every two years and focusing on one topic or a tightly connected group of topics. The first meetings in the new series will start in the spring of 2027, and the foundation expects to select up to one series in mathematics and one series in theoretical physics. Format of a Symposium Series An individual symposium series consists of up to three weeklong meetings on one topic or a tightly connected group of topics. A symposium series is initially approved for one year and renewed for up to two more meetings if successful. If the first meeting in the series occurs in year N, then subsequent meetings would occur in years N+2 and N+4. Each symposium in the series may have up to 23 participants, including its organizing committee (two to four leaders in a field). It will have a focused theme and a schedule that leaves plenty of time for collaboration and open-ended discussion. In some areas, a tight focus on a new research development or a specific research problem would be appropriate; in others, a symposium might help set an agenda for the field. Please see previous Simons Symposia for reference. Participation Participation in a symposium is by invitation only and participants are required to attend all events during the symposium. The Simons Foundation will issue invitations upon the recommendation of the organizers. The foundation will also make travel arrangements for all symposium participants and will provide support at the conference site. All expenses, including travel, lodging and meals, will be paid by the foundation.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Institutional involvement and approval are not required for the application, and applicants from within or outside the U.S. are eligible.Proposals for new series will be judged on the basis of the significance and timeliness of the topic, the appropriateness of the symposium format, the likelihood of interesting science being completed or sparked and the scientific quality of the organizing committee.

Ineligibility

The foundation does not allow spouses, families or others to join participants during the symposium.Participants who choose to invite guests to come before or stay after the meeting do so at their own expense. The Simons Foundation will not cover expenses associated with such extensions.