The Simons Foundation has launched a new
fellowship program for faculty members interested in making contributions to a new field. Fellows will need to be on a full-year leave to work under a mentor in the new field of study. A synopsis and link to the solicitation can be found below:
Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship
FAS/SEAS/OSP Deadline: April 22, 2022
Sponsor Deadline: April 29, 2022
Award Amount: One year of salary support of the Fellow’s academic-year salary, whether normally paid over 9 or 12 months, and a $10,000 research, travel and professional development allowance during the fellowship training year. Mentors will receive a $50,000 research fund during the fellowship year. At the end of the fellowship year, fellows will be invited to submit an application for a 3-year research award in the new field for up to $1.5M.
The Pivot Fellowship program will support researchers who have a strong track record of success and achievement in their current field, and a deep interest, curiosity and drive to make contributions to a new discipline. The fellowship will enable today’s brightest minds to apply their talent and expertise to a new field, and will consist of one training year where the fellow will be embedded in a lab of a mentor to learn the new discipline and its culture. Mentorship and support are essential for learning a new discipline and culture. In addition to the qualifications and potential of the applicant, the suitability of the mentor and the environment for mentorship will be strongly considered in the application process.
Fellows and Mentors must hold a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree in the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Neuroscience and Physics), Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, or Computer Science — and all subdisciplines therein, and be faculty at an academic institution or hold an equivalent position. Fellows must demonstrate that the fellowship will take place in a new discipline, distinct from their current field of study, within Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics or Mathematics — and all subdisciplines therein. In order to receive the fellowship, Fellows must be approved by their institution for a full year of leave. Fellowships must commence on or before February 1, 2024.