Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship 2025

Omran Aburayya
Apr 18
3 min read

If you're an accomplished researcher eager to explore a new scientific frontier, the Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship 2025 offers a unique opportunity to transition into a different discipline within the natural sciences or mathematics. This prestigious fellowship supports a year of mentored training in a new field, followed by the potential for substantial research funding. Applications are now open for this transformative program. Details in this article.

Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship 2025 Summary

Location: Global (open to researchers worldwide)
Host Institution: Simons Foundation / Simons Foundation International
Academic Level: Faculty-level researchers
Target Group: Researchers in natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, data science, or computer science
Fields of Focus: Transitioning to a new discipline within astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, neuroscience, physics, or mathematics
Funding: One year of salary support, $10,000 for research/travel/professional development, $50,000 mentor research fund
Duration: 1 year of mentored training, with potential for up to 5 years of additional research funding
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Start Date: Earliest permitted start date is January 1, 2026
Eligible to: Faculty or equivalent positions at academic or research institutions worldwide

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship is designed to support researchers who have demonstrated excellence in their current field and possess a strong desire to contribute to a new discipline. The fellowship facilitates a significant career shift, allowing fellows to immerse themselves in a different scientific area through a structured, mentored training year.

🧩 Program Structure:

Training Year: Fellows will be embedded in the lab of a mentor in the new discipline to gain firsthand experience and understanding of the field's culture and methodologies.
Mentorship: Mentors play a crucial role, providing guidance and support as fellows navigate their new research area.
Post-Fellowship Opportunity: Upon successful completion of the fellowship year, fellows may apply for a research award in their new field, offering up to $1.5 million in funding over five years.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: Full salary support for one year, ensuring fellows can dedicate themselves entirely to their new research area.
Research and Development Funds: $10,000 allocated for research activities, travel, and professional development during the fellowship year.
Mentor Support: Mentors receive a $50,000 research fund to facilitate the fellow's training and integration into the new field.
Long-Term Funding Potential: Eligibility to apply for substantial research funding in the new discipline, fostering continued growth and contribution.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship 2025, Applicants must:

Hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, data science, or computer science.
Be in a faculty or equivalent position at an academic or research institution.
Demonstrate a strong track record of success in their current field.
Exhibit a clear interest and plan to transition into a new discipline distinct from their current area of expertise.
Obtain approval from their institution for a full year of leave to pursue the fellowship.
Not hold any other fellowship providing salary support during the fellowship year.

📝 Application Procedure

Required Documents:

Scientific Narrative: A detailed plan outlining the proposed transition to a new discipline, including motivations and objectives.
Summary of Previous Scientific Accomplishments: A concise overview of the applicant's achievements in their current field.
Curriculum Vitae: Comprehensive CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
Letters of Recommendation: Two to three confidential letters from research scientists not serving as the applicant's mentor, addressing the applicant's suitability for transitioning to a new discipline.

📝 Submission

Applications must be submitted through the Simons Award Manager (SAM) application portal
Both the fellow and the mentor are required to submit separate applications independently.
Detailed instructions and templates are available on the Pivot Fellowship application page how to apply tab.