Are you planning to pursue a Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, or the life sciences in the United States? The Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution 2026 provide an exceptional funding opportunity for aspiring researchers seeking financial support to undertake innovative research at the intersection of ecology, evolution, and other STEM disciplines.
Offered by the Simons Foundation’s Life Sciences Division, this prestigious fellowship is designed to support talented students entering U.S.-based Ph.D. programs who are committed to advancing scientific knowledge in ecology and evolution. The fellowship provides up to $265,800 over a five-year fellowship period, covering stipend support, tuition-related expenses, research funding, and institutional costs.
Applications are now open, with Letters of Intent (LOIs) due by June 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Time.
About the Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution
The Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution were established to encourage the next generation of scientists tackling some of the most important questions in ecology and evolutionary biology.
The fellowship particularly encourages interdisciplinary research that connects ecology and evolution with other STEM fields such as:
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Genetics
- Other areas of Biology
- Engineering
The foundation is especially interested in research that integrates ecological and evolutionary processes across different timescales and disciplines, fostering innovative scientific discoveries that improve our understanding of living systems.
Fellowship Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Support outstanding students beginning Ph.D. studies in ecology and evolution.
- Promote interdisciplinary scientific research.
- Encourage collaborations across STEM disciplines.
- Provide long-term financial stability for graduate researchers.
- Strengthen scientific research in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Funding Benefits
Successful fellows will receive funding worth up to $265,800 over a maximum of three years of support, which can be used across a five-year fellowship period.
Annual Funding Includes
Each year of full-time fellowship support includes:
- $50,000 annual stipend (approximately $4,166.66 per month)
- Up to $25,000 Cost of Education Allowance
- $3,000 Research Allowance
- Up to $10,600 in indirect institutional costs
What the Funding Covers
Stipend
The annual stipend provides financial support for fellows during their doctoral studies.
Cost of Education Allowance
The education allowance may be used for:
- Tuition
- Tuition-related fees
- Health insurance
- Family health insurance
- Institution-required student benefits
If any education allowance remains unused, it becomes available as additional research funding.
Research Funds
The research allowance may be used for:
- Laboratory supplies
- Research materials
- Small equipment, including computers
- Publication costs
- Scientific conferences
- Research travel
- Student visa expenses
- Visa renewals during the fellowship
- Other approved research-related costs
The Simons Foundation separately covers the costs associated with required annual fellowship meetings, so these expenses should not be charged to the fellowship budget.
Relocation Support
Up to $2,000 from the education allowance may be used for relocating the fellow and their family to the host institution, subject to institutional policies.
Research Areas of Interest
Although all ecology and evolution research projects will be considered, priority is given to projects that:
- Integrate ecology and evolution.
- Combine ecological and evolutionary timescales.
- Incorporate computational or mathematical approaches.
- Bridge biology with physics, chemistry, genetics, engineering, or computer science.
- Advance interdisciplinary scientific understanding.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be entering or applying to a U.S.-based Ph.D. program in Biology or another Life Sciences discipline during Summer or Fall 2026.
- Begin their Ph.D. no later than October 1, 2027.
- Conduct research in ecology and evolution.
- Enroll at a host institution located within the United States throughout the fellowship period.
Applicants may already hold a master’s degree, and the foundation particularly encourages applicants whose master’s degree is in:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Engineering
Who Is Not Eligible?
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Already hold a Ph.D. or another terminal degree in ecology or evolution.
- Enrolled in an ecology or evolution Ph.D. program before Summer 2026.
- Receive salary support simultaneously from another funding source.
- Are Simons Foundation employees receiving a W-2, including employees of the Flatiron Institute.
No Citizenship Requirement
One of the fellowship’s strongest features is that there are no citizenship restrictions.
International applicants are welcome to apply.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any required U.S. visa throughout the fellowship period.
Fellowship Duration
Funding supports up to:
- Three years of financial support.
- Flexible use across a five-year fellowship period.
The timing of fellowship support is determined jointly by the fellow and the host institution.
Award Start Dates
Successful fellows may begin funding on one of the following dates:
- August 1, 2027
- September 1, 2027
- October 1, 2027
Application Process
Applications must be submitted directly by the prospective fellow.
Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) electronically through the Simons Award Manager (SAM).
After the review process:
- Finalists will be invited to submit a full proposal.
- Institutional approval and budget documentation will be required.
- Awards are made to the host institution, not directly to individual fellows.
Review Process
Applications undergo expert scientific review by specialists in ecology, evolution, and related disciplines.
Reviewers assess the scientific quality and potential impact of proposed research before making recommendations to the Simons Foundation Life Sciences staff.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| LOI Opens | May 1, 2026 |
| LOI Deadline | June 30, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET) |
| Finalist Notification | October 30, 2026 |
| Acceptance Deadline (Finalists) | April 15, 2027 |
| Full Proposal Deadline | May 27, 2027 |
| Award Notification | July 1, 2027 |
| Award Start | August 1, September 1, or October 1, 2027 |
Commitment to Equal Opportunity
The Simons Foundation believes scientific discovery is strengthened by diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
The foundation provides equal funding opportunities without discrimination based on:
- Race
- Religion
- Color
- Age
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- National origin
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Genetic disposition
- Neurodiversity
- Disability
- Veteran status
- Any other protected category under applicable law
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Time.
Why You Should Apply
The Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution represent one of the most generous graduate research funding opportunities available for students pursuing ecology and evolution in the United States.
With funding worth up to $265,800, flexible support over five years, dedicated research funding, tuition assistance, and no citizenship restrictions, the fellowship enables talented researchers from around the world to focus on advancing scientific knowledge while building successful academic careers.
If you are preparing to begin a Ph.D. in ecology or evolution, this fellowship could provide the financial support and research resources needed to maximize your impact.
For more information, visit the official website
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