The 2027 Sloan Research Fellowships are now open for nominations. Offered by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the prestigious fellowship recognizes outstanding early-career faculty members whose research demonstrates exceptional creativity, innovation, and the potential to become future leaders in science. Successful fellows receive $75,000 to support their research over a two-year period.
Each year, the Sloan Research Fellowships identify promising researchers who are making significant contributions to their disciplines while still in the early stages of their academic careers. Beyond the financial award, the fellowship is internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious honors for young scientists and scholars, helping recipients strengthen their research programs and accelerate their careers.
The 2027 Sloan Research Fellowships are open to eligible faculty members in the United States and Canada working in chemistry, computer science, Earth system science, economics, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics.
About the Sloan Research Fellowships
Established by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Sloan Research Fellowships have supported thousands of exceptional researchers who later became leaders in academia, industry, and public service. Many former Sloan Fellows have gone on to receive major international honors, including Nobel Prizes and other prestigious scientific awards.
The fellowship is designed to recognize researchers with outstanding independent accomplishments and provide flexible funding that enables them to pursue innovative research ideas during a critical stage of their careers.
Rather than funding a specific research project, the Sloan Research Fellowship provides unrestricted research support to the recipient’s institution, allowing fellows to use the award where it will have the greatest impact on their research.
Fellowship Value
Each selected fellow receives:
- $75,000 fellowship
- Funding awarded to the fellow’s institution
- Two-year funding period
- Flexible use of funds to support research activities
The fellowship funding may be used for:
- Research equipment
- Technical assistance
- Summer salary support
- Professional travel
- Graduate or trainee support
- Other research-related activities
Eligible Fields
Applications are accepted from researchers working in:
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth System Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Physics
Researchers in closely related disciplines may also be considered where appropriate.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2027 Sloan Research Fellowships, candidates must:
- Hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree.
- Be members of the faculty at a college, university, or other degree-granting institution in the United States or Canada.
- Hold a tenure-track, but untenured, faculty appointment as of September 15, 2026.
- Have a regular teaching obligation as part of their faculty appointment.
- Demonstrate outstanding independent research accomplishments, creativity, initiative, and strong leadership potential.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation strongly encourages nominations of qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
Required Nomination Materials
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- One confidential nomination letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two journal articles
- Research statement
- Three confidential letters of support
Applicants will also be required to complete the following online forms:
- Nominee General Information
- Nominator Information
- Support Writer Information
- EEO-1/Affirmative Action Voluntary Self-Identification Form
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated based on their:
- Research excellence
- Independent scientific accomplishments
- Creativity and innovation
- Leadership potential
- Long-term impact on their field
The fellowship recognizes researchers who have already demonstrated exceptional promise and are expected to become leaders within the international scientific community.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: July 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their nomination materials well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for referees and institutional approvals.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s online application system.
Applicants should carefully review all eligibility requirements and prepare the required nomination documents before beginning the online application.
Official Website: https://sloan.org/fellowships/sloan-research-fellowships
Application Portal: https://apsloan.smapply.io
Why You Should Apply
Receiving a Sloan Research Fellowship is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions available to early-career faculty members in science and related disciplines. In addition to the $75,000 award, fellows join a distinguished network of researchers whose work has shaped scientific discovery around the world.
The fellowship provides the flexibility to invest in research priorities, strengthen laboratory capacity, support trainees, purchase equipment, or pursue new scientific directions. For promising researchers seeking to expand the impact of their work, the Sloan Research Fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity to advance both their research and academic careers.
Conclusion
The 2027 Sloan Research Fellowships provide an outstanding opportunity for exceptional early-career faculty members in the United States and Canada to receive $75,000 in research funding and gain recognition as emerging leaders in their fields. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have demonstrated excellence in research, this fellowship can provide valuable support to advance your scientific career. Interested candidates should begin preparing their nomination materials early and submit their applications before September 15, 2026
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