The Simons Summer Research Program places selected high school students with Stony Brook University faculty mentors for hands-on research in science, mathematics or engineering. Fellows join a research group, take responsibility for a project, and produce a research abstract and poster.
The six-week, in-person program also includes faculty talks, workshops, tours and a closing poster symposium. The Simons Foundation supports the program.
Benefits & funding
- There is no tuition charge, and fellows receive a stipend award at the closing symposium; the official site does not publish the amount.
- Participants pay their own transportation and dining costs, plus residential costs if they choose campus housing.
- The published 2026 residential estimate is USD 2,450 for dorm fees, a starter meal plan and the student health fee; the required starter dining balance is listed as USD 120.
- Fellows receive faculty-mentored research experience, laboratory or research-team participation, weekly talks, workshops and events.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be in the junior year, or 11th grade, of high school when applying.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; either route qualifies.
- Applicants must be at least 16 by the program start date.
- A high school must nominate the applicant, and each school may nominate no more than two students.
- Prior research experience is not required.
- Participants must attend in person and commit at least four hours per day to their mentor or research group for the full program.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
High School
Age requirement
≥ 16 yrs
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Application process
- 1Ask the designated high school official to submit a nomination by the school deadline.
- 2After confirming nomination, complete the online application, upload a transcript or grade report, and select three preferred mentors or research areas.
- 3Arrange two teacher recommendations, preferably from mathematics, science or another STEM field.
- 4Submit the application by the student deadline and ensure recommendations arrive by their separate deadline.
Program timeline
School nomination deadline
Jan 30, 2026
Student application deadline
Feb 5, 2026
Teacher recommendation deadline
Feb 13, 2026
Admissions decisions sent to applicants
Mar 11, 2026
Program starts
Jun 29, 2026
Program ends
Aug 7, 2026