Targeted Grants in MPS
Supports high-risk, high-promise theoretical research in mathematics, physics, and computer science with flexible, multi-year funding from the Simons Foundation.
Funder: Simons Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (Letter of Intent) | Invitation-based (Full proposal, if requested)
Funding Amounts: Flexible funding up to 5 years; no set minimum or maximum; indirect costs capped at 20% of direct costs.
Summary: Supports high-risk, high-promise theoretical research in mathematics, physics, and computer science on a case-by-case basis.
Key Information: LOIs may be submitted at any time; only tenured/tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty eligible as PI/co-I.
Description
The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics & Physical Sciences (MPS) division offers this program to support ambitious, high-risk theoretical projects in mathematics, physics, and computer science. The program is designed for projects of exceptional promise and scientific importance that may not fit traditional funding mechanisms. Funding levels and durations are highly flexible and tailored to the needs of each proposed project, with a maximum duration of up to five years. The program prioritizes advancing fundamental understanding in the mathematical and physical sciences.
Projects supported under this program can include a wide range of direct research expenses such as personnel, travel, equipment, and conferences. The foundation emphasizes fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific community and encourages applications from researchers worldwide, except for those based in China (including Hong Kong).
