Pivot Fellowship
Forecasted
Pivot Fellowship supports established researchers through a year of mentored training in a new scientific discipline, helping them bring their expertise to new fields and exchange ideas across disciplines.
Funder: Simons Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: One year of academic-year salary support plus $10,000 for fellows and $50,000 for mentors; potential follow-on award up to $1.5 million plus indirect costs over five years
Summary: Supports established researchers through a year of mentored training to bring their expertise into a distinct new scientific discipline.
Key Information: Fellows must obtain institutional approval for a full year of leave and cannot hold another salary-supporting fellowship during training.
Description
The Simons Foundation’s Pivot Fellowship supports researchers with a strong record of achievement who want to contribute to a new discipline. The program funds one training year embedded in a mentor’s laboratory, allowing fellows to learn both the substance of a new field and its research culture. Its goal is to encourage the exchange of ideas, knowledge and approaches across disciplines.
The fellowship supports transitions into mathematics and the natural sciences, with salary support and an allowance for research, travel and professional development. Mentors receive research support for their laboratories. Selection considers the applicant’s qualifications and potential, as well as the suitability of the mentor and the environment for mentorship. After the training year, fellows may be eligible to apply for a longer-term research award in their new field.
