Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The IMU-Simons Research Fellowship supports mathematicians from developing countries to undertake short-term collaborative research visits at international institutions. Fellowships range from USD 5,000 to 15,000, covering travel, living, and research expenses for 1–3 months. The program aims to strengthen global research collaboration, academic exchange, and capacity building in mathematics.
The IMU-Simons Research Fellowship enables mathematicians from developing countries to conduct short-term research visits at international mathematical institutions. This fellowship fosters collaboration, academic exchange, and the growth of research capacity.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The fellowship program is designed to:
- Support Collaborative Research: Enable joint research projects with mathematicians and PhD students at host institutions.
- Encourage Academic Exchange: Facilitate planned lectures, seminars, and meetings to foster knowledge sharing.
- Strengthen Research Capacity: Provide structured research visits of one to three months to enhance skills and networks.
Who is Eligible?
- Mathematicians with a PhD.
- Holding a permanent faculty position or equivalent role in a developing country.
- Applicants must have:
- An established collaboration with a host institution.
- A clear research plan.
- Approved leave from their home institution for the duration of the visit.
Fellowship Duration
- Minimum: 1 month
- Maximum: 3 months
- Longer stays within this range are encouraged to maximize research impact.
Funding and Support
The fellowship provides financial support ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, covering essential research-related expenses:
- Economy-class airfare
- Visa fees
- Health and travel insurance
- Accommodation and local living costs
- Limited airport transfers
Additional Support:
- Child support under specific conditions, including:
- Airfare for the child
- Monthly allowance
- Childcare services within defined limits
Partial grants below USD 15,000 may be awarded depending on the merit of the application.
How to Apply
- Identify a Host Institution: Ensure an active collaboration with an international mathematical institution.
- Prepare a Research Plan: Submit a clearly defined research project with objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Obtain Leave Approval: Secure formal approval from your home institution for the duration of the fellowship.
- Submit Application: Apply through the official IMU-Simons fellowship portal with all required documents.
- Await Review and Funding Decision: Fellowships are awarded based on the strength of the application and merit of the proposed research.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly define your research objectives and collaboration benefits.
- Include details of planned academic exchanges, lectures, or seminars.
- Highlight the impact of the fellowship on your home institution’s research capacity.
- Ensure all supporting documents are complete and formally approved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications or missing supporting documents.
- Lack of formal approval from the home institution.
- Vague or undefined research plans.
- Ignoring eligibility criteria regarding faculty position or PhD requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the fellowship?
Mathematicians with a PhD holding permanent faculty positions in developing countries. - What is the duration of the research visit?
Visits must be at least 1 month, with a maximum of 3 months. - What expenses are covered?
Airfare, visa fees, health/travel insurance, accommodation, living costs, and limited airport transfers. - Is child support available?
Yes, under specific conditions including airfare, monthly allowance, and childcare services. - Can partial grants be awarded?
Yes, grants below USD 15,000 may be given depending on application merit. - Is prior collaboration with a host institution required?
Yes, an established collaboration is mandatory. - Do I need leave approval from my home institution?
Yes, official approval is required for the duration of the visit.
Why This Fellowship Matters
- Promotes international research collaboration in mathematics.
- Strengthens academic capacity in developing countries.
- Facilitates knowledge exchange between mathematicians and PhD students worldwide.
- Provides opportunities for networking, skill development, and academic visibility.
Conclusion
The IMU-Simons Research Fellowship is a high-impact program designed to empower mathematicians in developing countries through international collaboration. By providing financial support, structured research visits, and opportunities for academic exchange, it strengthens both individual research and broader institutional capacity in the global mathematics community.
For more information, visit International Mathematical Union.
