Established in 1984 as an outreach program for local high school students, the Simons Summer Research Program now draws applicants from across the country. Fellows are matched with a Stony Brook faculty mentor, join an active research group, and take on a project of their own. They finish by writing a research abstract and presenting a poster.
Beyond the lab, Fellows attend weekly faculty research talks and take part in workshops, tours, and events across campus. The program closes with a poster symposium where Fellows present their work to the University community.
Simons Fellows have gone on to national recognition in the Regeneron Science Talent Search year after year — ten from the 2025 cohort alone. Past Fellows include Nithin Tumma, who took first place in the Intel Science Talent Search for cancer research begun in a Stony Brook lab, and Christine Shrock, named a Davidson Fellow for work on HIV treatment with Professor Carlos Simmerling in Chemistry.
Eligibility
Students interested in science who have demonstrated independence, creativity and an aptitude for doing hands-on work are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants must currently be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents; and must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program (no exceptions).
Program Dates
June 28 - August 6, 2027
In Appreciation
The program was founded with the support of Jim and Marilyn Simons and carries their
name in recognition of a four-decade partnership with the University. Jim Simons chaired
the University’s Department of Mathematics from 1968 to 1978; Marilyn Simons is a
Stony Brook alumna.
Jim Simons died on May 10, 2024, at the age of 86.