The Simons Foundation is inviting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution 2026. This prestigious fellowship supports talented students entering PhD programs at US institutions to conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of ecology, evolution, and other STEM disciplines. International applicants are welcome — there are no citizenship restrictions.
- Award Amount: Up to $265,800 total over five years, covering stipend support, tuition-related expenses, research funding, and institutional costs (indirect costs capped at 20% of modified total direct costs)
- Duration: Three years of full-time support within a five-year fellowship period
- Eligibility: Students entering or applying for PhD programs in biology or a life sciences subfield, matriculating no later than October 1, 2026; no prior PhD in ecology or evolution; no citizenship requirement; must be hosted at a US institution
- Research Focus: Interdisciplinary ecology and evolution research linking to physics, math, CS, chemistry, or genetics is especially encouraged
- LOI Deadline: June 30, 2026, 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time — via Simons Award Manager (SAM)
- Full Application Deadline: May 27, 2027 (by invitation only after LOI shortlist)
- Finalists Announced: October 30, 2026
- How to Apply: Submit a Letter of Intent via the Simons Foundation official page
This is a rare, highly competitive fellowship that funds doctoral training at the nexus of ecology, evolution, and quantitative sciences. If you are entering a qualifying US PhD program this fall, act immediately — the LOI deadline is June 30, 2026.
Always verify deadlines and details on the official Simons Foundation website before applying.