Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution (US)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The Simons Foundation Graduate Fellowship supports doctoral students conducting advanced research in:

• Ecology
• Evolution
• Interdisciplinary biological sciences

The program emphasizes research that integrates ecology and evolution across timescales and connects these fields with:

• Physics
• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Genetics and other biological disciplines

Core Objectives

• Advance interdisciplinary research in ecology and evolution
• Strengthen quantitative and computational approaches in biology
• Support innovative Ph.D.-level training in U.S. institutions
• Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration in life sciences

Funding Overview

Total Funding

• Maximum total: $265,800 over five years
• Active support period: up to 3 years

Annual Funding Breakdown (per supported year)

• $50,000 stipend (living support)
• $25,000 education allowance
• $3,000 research funds
• Up to $10,600 indirect costs

Education Allowance Use

May be used for:

• Tuition
• Academic fees
• Health insurance

Unused education funds may be redirected to:

• Research expenses

Key Features

• Long-term doctoral support structure
• Flexible allocation of education funds
• Dedicated research funding component
• Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary science

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be entering or applying to a Ph.D. program in:
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Evolution
  • Related life sciences fields
• Start Ph.D. program in:
  • Summer or fall 2026
• Matriculate no later than:
  • October 1, 2027

Accepted Academic Backgrounds

Applicants may have:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field
• Master’s degree in:
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Other quantitative disciplines

Ineligible Applicants

• Individuals already holding a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in ecology or evolution
• Students who enrolled in an ecology/evolution Ph.D. program before summer 2026
• Applicants not entering an eligible Ph.D. program within the required timeframe

Research Focus Areas

Core Disciplines

• Ecology
• Evolutionary biology
• Genetics
• Systems biology

Interdisciplinary Integration

• Computational biology and AI modeling
• Mathematical biology
• Physical sciences applied to biology
• Chemical ecology
• Data-driven evolutionary analysis

Why This Fellowship Matters

• Supports early-career scientists in high-impact research fields
• Promotes interdisciplinary approaches to biology
• Strengthens quantitative training in ecology and evolution
• Enables long-term academic research development
• Encourages innovation at the intersection of multiple sciences

How It Works

Step 1: Apply to Eligible Ph.D. Program

• Identify U.S.-based institution
• Apply to ecology, evolution, or related biology program

Step 2: Confirm Fellowship Eligibility

• Ensure entry in summer or fall 2026
• Verify academic background and degree status

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

• Research interests in ecology/evolution
• Interdisciplinary project proposal
• Academic transcripts and CV
• Evidence of quantitative or biological training

Step 4: Submit Fellowship Application

• Submit through Simons Foundation process
• Align research proposal with interdisciplinary goals

Step 5: Evaluation

Applications are assessed based on:

• Scientific excellence
• Interdisciplinary potential
• Innovation in ecology and evolution
• Quantitative and computational strength
• Research feasibility and impact

Common Mistakes

• Applying after already enrolling in Ph.D. program (before allowed window)
• Weak interdisciplinary justification
• Lack of quantitative or computational integration
• Missing eligibility timeline requirements
• Unclear research direction in ecology/evolution

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize cross-disciplinary integration early
• Highlight computational or mathematical skills
• Clearly define ecological or evolutionary research questions
• Show long-term research vision
• Align proposal with Simons Foundation priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Simons Foundation Graduate Fellowship?

• A Ph.D. fellowship supporting research in ecology and evolution
  • Focuses on interdisciplinary biological sciences
  • Supports students at U.S. institutions

How much funding is provided?

• Up to $265,800 total over five years
  • Includes stipend, education, and research funding
  • Active funding for up to 3 years

Who can apply?

• Students entering Ph.D. programs in:
  • Ecology
  • Evolution
  • Related life sciences
• Must start program in summer or fall 2026

What fields are emphasized?

• Ecology and evolutionary biology
• Genetics and computational biology
• Interdisciplinary research with:
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer science
  • Chemistry

Who is not eligible?

• Current Ph.D. students in ecology/evolution (before summer 2026)
• Individuals already holding a relevant Ph.D.
• Applicants outside required enrollment timeline

What can funding be used for?

• Stipends for living expenses
• Tuition and academic fees
• Health insurance
• Research expenses

Conclusion

The Simons Foundation Graduate Fellowship provides substantial long-term support for Ph.D. students in ecology and evolution. By emphasizing interdisciplinary research and quantitative approaches, it helps train the next generation of scientists working at the intersection of biology, computation, and physical sciences.

For more information, visit Simons Foundation.