Sloan Research Fellowships 2027 in the USA & Canada | $75,000 Fellowship for Early-Career Scientists

Applications are now open for the Sloan Research Fellowships 2027, one of the world’s most prestigious awards for early-career researchers. Administered by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the fellowship recognizes outstanding scientists and scholars whose creativity, innovation, and research achievements demonstrate exceptional potential to become future leaders in their fields. Each fellowship provides US$75,000 over two years to support fundamental research.

Established in 1955, the Sloan Research Fellowships have helped launch the careers of many distinguished scientists, including numerous Nobel Prize winners, Fields Medalists, and recipients of other major international honors. The fellowship offers flexible research funding that fellows may use to advance their research programs according to their professional needs.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Organization: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
• Programme: Sloan Research Fellowships 2027
• Host Countries: United States & Canada
• Programme Type: Research Fellowship
• Fellowship Duration: 2 Years
• Award Amount: US$75,000
• Nomination Deadline: 15 September 2026
• Application Method: Nomination only (self-applications are not accepted)

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• US$75,000 research grant paid as a single award.
• Flexible funding to support independent research.
• Funds may be used for:
  • Research staff
  • Laboratory expenses
  • Equipment
  • Professional travel
  • Summer salary support
  • Other research-related expenses
• International recognition as a Sloan Research Fellow.
• Membership in a distinguished community of leading researchers.

Eligible Research Fields

The Sloan Research Fellowships support researchers working in:

• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth System Science
• Economics
• Mathematics
• Neuroscience
• Physics
• Related interdisciplinary fields that fit within the fellowship’s scientific disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.
• Be members of the faculty at a degree-granting institution in the United States or Canada.
• Hold a tenure-track but untenured faculty appointment as of 15 September 2026.
• Have regular teaching responsibilities.
• Demonstrate outstanding independent research achievements and exceptional promise for future leadership in their field.

Nomination Process

Unlike many fellowship programmes, individual researchers cannot apply directly.

Each candidate must be nominated by:

• A department chair, or
• Another senior researcher.

The nomination package typically includes:

• Official nomination letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Publication list
• Two representative research papers
• One-page research statement
• Three independent letters of support from established researchers.

Selection Criteria

Selection committees evaluate candidates based on:

• Originality and creativity of research
• Independent scientific achievements
• Research excellence
• Potential to become a future leader in the discipline
• Overall impact on the scientific community.

Why Apply?

The Sloan Research Fellowship is one of the most respected early-career research awards because it:

• Provides flexible funding without prescribing how research must be conducted.
• Recognizes exceptional scientific achievement at an early career stage.
• Enhances international academic reputation.
• Supports innovative, high-impact research.
• Has a distinguished alumni network that includes many Nobel Prize winners, Fields Medalists, and leading scientists.

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Confirm that you meet the fellowship eligibility requirements.
2. Request a nomination from your department chair or another senior researcher.
3. Prepare the required supporting documents.
4. Ensure your nominator submits the complete nomination through the Sloan Foundation’s online portal before 15 September 2026.

The Sloan Research Fellowships 2027 represent one of the highest honors available to early-career scientists in North America. With US$75,000 in flexible research funding, international recognition, and a remarkable legacy of supporting future scientific leaders, the fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity for promising faculty members to accelerate their research careers. Eligible researchers should work closely with their department leadership to secure a nomination before the 15 September 2026 deadline.