Fellows in Theoretical Physics

The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) division invites applications for the Simons Fellows in Theoretical Physics program, to make sabbatical research leaves more productive by extending them from a single term to a full academic year.

Rationale

Sabbatical research leaves from classroom teaching and administrative obligations can provide strong intellectual stimulation and lead to increased creativity and productivity in theoretical research.

Basis for Awards

Awards will be based on the applicant’s scientific accomplishments in the five-year period preceding the application and on the potential scientific impact of the work to be done during the leave period.

Level and Duration of Funding

A Simons Fellowship in Theoretical Physics in 2021 will provide salary replacement for up to 50 percent (up to a maximum of $100,000) of the Fellow’s current academic-year salary, whether normally paid over 9 or 12 months, and up to $10,000 for expenses related to the leave. The Fellow’s home institution will receive an additional 20 percent overhead on allowable expenses. Please note that the foundation’s indirect cost policy allows up to 20 percent of direct cost expenditures.

The Simons Fellowship will fund up to 50 percent of the 2021–2022 academic year, where, for example, the full leave year period could be January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021; September 1, 2021, through August 31, 2022; or January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. Fellowship funding must be contiguous to the university-supported portion of the leave.

Fellowship awards and sabbatical periods may begin no earlier than January 1, 2021, and no later than January 1, 2022. The award and the sabbatical period must finish no later than December 31, 2022.