Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution 2025
The Simons Foundation’s Life Sciences Division invites applications for the Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution, designed to support incoming Ph.D. students in the United States who plan to pursue research in the fields of ecology and evolution. This prestigious fellowship targets students with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research that connects ecological and evolutionary processes or integrates other STEM fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, genetics, and more.
The program offers up to three years of financial support to be used over a five-year fellowship period. The fellowship is intended to remove financial barriers and enable promising students to focus entirely on their research. There are no citizenship restrictions, making this an inclusive opportunity for all aspiring scientists worldwide. The application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI) due by July 31, 2025, followed by a full proposal submission for selected finalists.
Key Information
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Award Start Date: August 1, September 1, or October 1, 2026
Contact Email (General): [email protected]
Technical Support: [email protected]
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| LOI Available | June 2, 2025 |
| LOI Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
| LOI Notification | October 31, 2025 |
| Full Proposal Available | April 15, 2026 |
| Full Proposal Deadline (Finalists only) | May 28, 2026 |
| Award Notification | July 1, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
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Applicants must be entering or applying to U.S.-based Ph.D. programs in biology or life sciences starting no later than October 1, 2026.
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A master’s degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, or computer science is encouraged but not required.
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Candidates who already hold a Ph.D. or have enrolled in a Ph.D. program before Fall 2025 are not eligible.
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Applicants must attend U.S.-based institutions.
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No citizenship restrictions apply, but international applicants must secure the necessary visas.
Fellowship Funding
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Total Value: Up to $265,800 (including indirect costs)
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Duration: 3 years of support over 5 years
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Annual Budget Includes:
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$50,000 stipend
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Up to $25,000 for educational expenses (e.g., tuition, insurance)
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$3,000 for research-related expenses
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Up to $10,600 for indirect institutional costs
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Relocation & Visa Support: Up to $2,000 from the education allowance can be used for relocation. Visa costs are also reimbursable under research funds.
Application Process
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Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) via the Simons Award Manager (SAM) by July 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM (Eastern Time).
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Full Proposal: Finalists will be invited to submit full proposals including a budget and institutional endorsement by May 28, 2026.
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Notification: Awardees will be notified by July 1, 2026.
Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of field experts. Recommendations will be made to the Simons Foundation Life Sciences staff. Awards are contingent on acceptance into an approved graduate program and submission of a full proposal.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
The Simons Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific community. They actively support efforts to broaden access to careers in science and mathematics, regardless of race, gender, age, or background. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
for application submission visit official page
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone applying for a U.S.-based Ph.D. program in life sciences for fall 2025 or later, provided they have not already enrolled in a program prior to that date.
2. Are international students eligible?
Yes. There are no citizenship restrictions. However, international students are responsible for securing appropriate visas.
3. Can the fellowship be deferred?
No. The start date must be either August 1, September 1, or October 1, 2026.
4. How many years of support does the fellowship offer?
The fellowship covers three years of support over a five-year period.
5. What can the research and education funds be used for?
Research funds can cover travel, equipment, and publication costs. Education funds support tuition, health insurance, and relocation.
6. Can I hold other scholarships or funding concurrently?
No. Simons Fellowship funding cannot be combined with other salary-based fellowships or stipends.
7. What is the stipend amount?
The annual stipend is $50,000, paid monthly.
