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.

Apply Here

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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