IMU-Simons Research Fellowship Program for Developing Countries

The research visit has to be tied to a specific research project and a collaborating institute.

The program is tailored for mathematicians holding a doctoral degree (PhD) in mathematics and holding a permanent position in a university faculty or similar institution within a developing country.

Fellows are granted the flexibility to embark on research visits lasting from one to three months, with longer durations strongly encouraged. Funding is allocated to cover expenses for a maximum duration of 3 months incurred during the visit, including airfare to the host country, accommodation, local living expenses, and other pertinent costs.

Funding Information

• The awarded amount ranges between USD5,000 – USD15,000
• Child support includes:
  • Maximum USD1,500 for airfare of child (economy class)
  • USD100 monthly child allowance
  • Childcare services (subject to submission of an official invoice from the service provider/ institution) max. USD 400 monthly.

Eligible Costs

• The grant can only cover the following costs for up to a maximum duration of three months:
  • Airfare (economy class) to host country
  • Visa fees
  • Health Travel insurance
  • Daily Allowance (based on living cost of the visiting country/city)
  • Accommodation cost in the host country (hotel is allowed for a maximum of 4 weeks if the host provides a statement that no guesthouse or rented flat is available. For stays longer than 4 weeks, only apartment or guesthouses can be accepted)
  • Airport transfers (Maximum of 4 taxi transfers between place of stay and airport for purpose of research visit upon arrival and departure)
  • Child support

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must:
  • hold a PhD in Mathematics;
  • be based (place of work) in a developing country;
  • be employed as a faculty member of a university or an equivalent institution;
  • have already established contact with a mathematician in the host institution and have a definite research plan at the time of applying for the grant;
  • be granted appropriate leave of absence from his/her institution for the period of visit;
  • visit for at least a period of one month.

Application Requirements

• Applications must include the following information:
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) of both the applicant and the host professor. It must include a selected list of publications. (Max. 3 pages)
  • Detailed research plan covering expected interaction with local mathematicians and PhD Students, general objectives and aims of the visit, and schedule of research visit (including planned lectures/meetings with colleagues etc.
  • Statement from host expressing views on the visit and the research plan.
  • Invitation letter by the host institution which clearly specifies the period of the visit as well as the extent of its financial commitment and support. It is expected that the host institution would at least offer office space, free Internet access and other basic amenities.
  • Confirmation letter by the home institution which clearly specifies the employment status of the grantee and that the applicant will be granted appropriate leave of absence from his/her home institution which will cover the period of the visit.
  • Tentative budget presented in USD. Any additional support secured by the applicant from other institutions must be declared in the application.

For more information, visit International Mathematical Union.