Pivot Fellowship

About the opportunity

The Pivot Fellowship supports faculty-level scientists who want to bring their expertise into a substantially different field. Fellows spend a training year embedded with a mentor in the new discipline.

Simons Foundation lists this opportunity for Faculty, STEM, Global.

This listing is written for researchers, students, universities, NGOs, research teams, policy professionals and academic institutions searching for STEM grants, fellowships, scholarships, conferences, workshops and funding opportunities in Global contexts.

Eligibility

Fellows and mentors must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree.

Applicants must be faculty at an academic institution or hold an equivalent position.

The proposed fellowship must represent a move into a new discipline distinct from the applicant's current field.

Funding and benefits

The program provides fellowship support and a mentor research fund; fellows may later be invited to apply for a research award up to USD 1.5 million over five years.

Themes and supported activities

One year of mentored training in a new discipline.

Research, travel, and professional development support.

Potential invitation to apply for a larger research award after the fellowship year.

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline: May 14, 2026.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Apply through Simons Award Manager by 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on 14 May 2026. Fellows and mentors each submit linked applications.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.