The Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) is for undergraduates to engage in neuroscience research. The program is managed by the Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division. This is to encourage students lacking prior lab access or research opportunities. It will provide them with a chance to engage in scientific innovation. The program is named in honour of neuroscientist Krishna Shenoy.
Fellows work 10 hours/week (30 weeks total) in Simons Foundation-affiliated labs across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, earning 25/hour(7,500 total). Additional benefits include a $2,000 resource stipend for professional development (e.g., laptops, conference fees) and mentorship from early-career scientists.
Eligibility Criteria for Shenoy undergraduate Research Fellowship
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program through April 2026 (part-time/full-time, hybrid/remote allowed)
- Reside within a 1.5-hour commute of a participating lab (relocation not supported)
- Be 18+ by July 31, 2025; no citizenship restrictions or prior lab experience required
About the Fellowship
The fellowship will provide the students with:
- Mentorship & Training
- Direct guidance from graduate students/postdocs in labs aligned with Simons Foundation initiatives (e.g., autism research, brain plasticity)
- Participation in a virtual coding boot camp and capstone symposium in New York City (travel/lodging covered)
- Lab Opportunities
- Applicants rank 1–3 preferred labs from a curated list. Projects are designed for accessibility, regardless of prior skills
- Funding Structure
- $11,500 per fellow allocated to host institutions:
- $7,500 for stipend.
- $2,000 for resources.
- $2,000 for administrative costs
- $11,500 per fellow allocated to host institutions:
Application Process
- Required Materials:
- Personal statement, CV, academic transcripts.
- One recommendation letter (submitted via portal).
- Valid TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Deadline: May 1, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
Timeline
- Informational Webinar: April 16, 2025
- Interviews: June 17–July 1, 2025 (virtual options available).
- Placement Notifications: By July 21, 2025
- Program Start: September 1, 2025.
Commitment to Diversity
The Simons Foundation emphasizes equity in STEM, prioritizing applicants from underrepresented groups. Fellows contribute to initiatives like the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain and Autism Research Initiative, with the foundation’s mission to broaden scientific participation.
For more information, visit Simons Foundation
