Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
The Sloan Research Fellowships 2027 are now open for nominations, offering US$75,000 to support exceptional early-career researchers whose work demonstrates originality, innovation, and the potential to transform their fields. Established by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, these prestigious fellowships recognize rising scientific leaders and provide flexible funding to advance their independent research.
If you are an eligible tenure-track faculty member—or know someone who is—you should consider taking advantage of this internationally respected opportunity.
About the Sloan Research Fellowships
Each year, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation selects outstanding early-career faculty members whose research achievements and future potential distinguish them as emerging leaders in science and scholarship.
Unlike project-specific grants, the Sloan Research Fellowship provides unrestricted funding, allowing recipients to use the award in ways that best support their research and professional development.
For the 2027 fellowship cycle, selected researchers will receive US$75,000 over a two-year period.
Fellowship Value
Successful fellows will receive:
- US$75,000 research fellowship
- Flexible funding to advance independent research
- Recognition as one of the world’s leading early-career researchers
- Membership in a distinguished community of Sloan Fellows
- Enhanced visibility within the global scientific community
Eligible Research Fields
Applications are accepted from researchers working in one of the following disciplines:
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth System Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Physics
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Sloan Research Fellowships 2027, nominees must:
- Hold a tenure-track faculty appointment (or equivalent) at an eligible institution.
- Be in the early stages of an independent academic career.
- Be untenured at the time of nomination.
- Conduct research in one of the seven eligible fellowship fields.
- Demonstrate outstanding research accomplishments and exceptional promise for future leadership in their discipline.
The Foundation notes that eligibility is determined by the research field rather than the department in which the candidate is appointed.
Nomination Materials
A complete nomination generally includes:
- Candidate’s curriculum vitae (CV)
- A one-page research statement outlining significant contributions and future research plans
- Three letters of recommendation from established researchers (preferably from different institutions)
- Additional nomination information submitted through the Foundation’s online application system.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by independent panels of distinguished scientists in each eligible discipline.
Reviewers assess candidates based on:
- Originality of research
- Scientific excellence
- Independence
- Creativity
- Potential to become a future leader in their field
- Long-term impact of their research contributions
Application Deadline
- Applications Open: July 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin the nomination process well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for recommendation letters and institutional approvals.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates must submit their nomination through the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s online application portal.
Official Application Page:
Sloan Research Fellowships Application Portal
For detailed eligibility information and frequently asked questions, visit:
Sloan Research Fellowships FAQ
Why Apply?
Receiving a Sloan Research Fellowship is considered one of the highest honors for early-career faculty members in science and related disciplines. Beyond the financial support, the fellowship serves as a strong endorsement of a researcher’s potential, helping recipients attract additional funding, build international collaborations, and accelerate groundbreaking discoveries.
For ambitious researchers aiming to establish themselves as leaders in academia, the Sloan Research Fellowship offers both recognition and the resources needed to pursue high-impact research.
