Undergraduate students dreaming of hands-on research in neuroscience can now apply for the prestigious Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) for the 2025–2026 academic year. Launched by the Simons Foundation, SURFiN is a golden opportunity for students—especially those with limited access to research training—to gain real-world lab experience, mentorship, and career guidance in neuroscience.
What is SURFiN?
SURFiN is a paid, in-person research fellowship running from September 2025 through May 2026, designed for undergraduates enrolled in either a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program. Fellows will work approximately 10 hours per week for 30 weeks, receiving $25/hour, with a total stipend of up to $7,500.
Fellows are matched with Simons Foundation-supported laboratories located in the U.S., Canada, and Europe—close to where students already live, since relocation is not supported.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program through at least April 2026.
- Both part-time and full-time students are welcome.
- Must be 18 years or older by July 31, 2025.
- Must reside within a 1.5-hour commute of one of the participating laboratories.
- No prior lab experience required—this program is designed for students without access to research training.
- Open to all nationalities, but the program does not sponsor visas or relocation.
What Will You Do?
SURFiN Fellows will:
- Work with a research team under the guidance of early-career neuroscientists (grad students or postdocs).
- Participate in monthly virtual community calls and attend a virtual coding boot camp.
- Present their research at a capstone symposium at the Simons Foundation headquarters in New York City in April 2026. (Travel and lodging are covered!)
How to Apply?
You can submit your application here (https://www.simonsfoundation.org/2025/03/27/applications-open-for-2025-2026-undergraduate-research-fellowships-in-neuroscience/) with following documents:
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- Academic transcript (unofficial or official)
- One (01) letter of recommendation (minimum)
- Ranking of up to three preferred SURFiN lab opportunities
Important Dates:
- Informational Webinar: April 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025, by 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET.