Early-career researcher in one of seven fields at an eligible US or Canadian institution, within the published PhD and faculty-appointment windows for the 2027 cycle.

What burden and restrictions apply?

Two-year fellowship funds support research expenses; the Foundation does not permit institutional overhead. Restricted to research-support expenses under fellowship policy; no overhead.

Sloan Research Fellowship

USD 75,000 over two years, usable for research-support expenses with no overhead · Alfred P. Sloan Foundation · deadline 2026-09-15

Prestigious two-year fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation honoring outstanding early-career researchers in chemistry, computer science, Earth system science, economics, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics. Current lifecycle: open; next verified deadline 2026-09-15. Real economics: USD 75,000 over two years, usable for research-support expenses with no overhead.

Tier 3early-careerresearchstemnomination

Apply Official site Open in the live directory

Key facts

Funder	Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Amount	USD 75,000 over two years, usable for research-support expenses with no overhead
Deadline	2026-09-15
Decision time	Department nomination and letters are followed by discipline review; no public decision-day count is stated.
Eligibility	Early-career researcher in one of seven fields at an eligible US or Canadian institution, within the published PhD and faculty-appointment windows for the 2027 cycle.
Restrictions	Two-year fellowship funds support research expenses; the Foundation does not permit institutional overhead. Restricted to research-support expenses under fellowship policy; no overhead.
Status	open

Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.

Application process

Department selects up to three nominees per field
Senior researcher submits nomination
Nominee completes the application
Recommenders submit letters by September 22
Foundation discipline panels select fellows

Background

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation operates Sloan Research Fellowship. This pass separates direct cash, repayable finance, credits, incentives and umbrella programs so later ranking does not compare unlike instruments. The 2026 class contains 126 fellows. The fellowship has operated since 1955.

How the application really works

Department selects up to three nominees per field → Senior researcher submits nomination → Nominee completes the application → Recommenders submit letters by September 22 → Foundation discipline panels select fellows

Tips

Show direct fit with chemistry.
Show direct fit with computer science.
Show direct fit with Earth system science.
Show direct fit with economics.
Show direct fit with mathematics.
Show direct fit with neuroscience.
Show direct fit with physics.

Watch out for

Current lifecycle is open.
Two-year fellowship funds support research expenses; the Foundation does not permit institutional overhead.
Restricted to research-support expenses under fellowship policy; no overhead.

Track record

The 2026 class contains 126 fellows.
The fellowship has operated since 1955.

Each department may nominate no more than three candidates per field; the Foundation does not publish a full application acceptance rate.

Frequently asked questions

Is this actionable now?: open. Next verified deadline: 2026-09-15.
What is the real economic value?: USD 75,000 over two years, usable for research-support expenses with no overhead
Who is eligible?: Early-career researcher in one of seven fields at an eligible US or Canadian institution, within the published PhD and faculty-appointment windows for the 2027 cycle.
How does selection work?: Department selects up to three nominees per field; Senior researcher submits nomination; Nominee completes the application; Recommenders submit letters by September 22; Foundation discipline panels select fellows. Department nomination and letters are followed by discipline review; no public decision-day count is stated.
What burden and restrictions apply?: Two-year fellowship funds support research expenses; the Foundation does not permit institutional overhead. Restricted to research-support expenses under fellowship policy; no overhead.
What evidence exists?: The 2026 class contains 126 fellows. The fellowship has operated since 1955. Each department may nominate no more than three candidates per field; the Foundation does not publish a full application acceptance rate.

Sources

sloan.org/fellowships/apply-2 — Official 2027 nomination dates and application route (checked 2026-08-10)
sloan.org/fellowships/faq — Official nomination limits and reapplication rules (checked 2026-08-10)
sloan.org/fellowships/2026-Fellows — Official class size and award value (checked 2026-08-10)
sloan.org/fellowships/current-fellows — Official use-of-funds and overhead rules (checked 2026-08-10)