program Description

AMS-Simons Research Enhancement Grants for Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) Faculty

With generous funding from the Simons Foundation; the American Mathematical Society (AMS); and Eve, Kirsten, Lenore, and Ada of the Menger family, the AMS is pleased to offer research enhancement grants for mathematicians employed full-time at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs), i.e., institutions that do not confer doctoral degrees in mathematics. In support of the AMS's continuing efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the mathematical research enterprise, we strongly encourage and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The AMS is committed to selecting at least 40 researchers per year from PUIs that reflect the diversity of the mathematics community. 

Eligibility

Mathematicians with an active research program employed full-time in tenured or tenure-track positions at PUIs in the United States are eligible to apply. For the purpose of this program, PUI institutions are those that do not confer doctoral degrees in mathematics. Additionally, to be eligible, applicants must have earned a PhD degree at least five years before the start of the grant. For the 2025 application cycle, that is prior to August 1, 2020.

The applicant's research must be in a disciplinary research area supported by the Division of Mathematical Sciences of the National Science Foundation. Faculty with appointments solely in statistics departments are not eligible. The intended awardees will not concurrently hold external research funding exceeding $3,000 per year and will not be in residence at a National Science Foundation institute. Additionally, no more than two applicants will be awarded from the same institution each application cycle.

Funding

Each year for three years, awardees will receive $3,000 to support research-related activities. Institutions will be required to administer the grants on behalf of the AMS. At the end of each grant year, the grantee's institution will receive $300 in discretionary funds for the faculty grantee's department and $300 for administrative costs. No additional institutional overhead or indirect costs will be covered with these award funds. The grant offer will be rescinded if a grantee's institution declines to administer the grant.

Timeline

Applications will be accepted January 9-March 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EDT). Applicants will be notified of their status in late June 2025. The AMS-Simons PUI grant year is July 1 - June 20. Faculty grantees may incur eligible reimbursable expenses as of July 2025. Faculty grantees should adhere to their institution's internal processes for expending grant funds and obtaining reimbursements. Funds will be disbursed for the first time in August 2025.

1. MathPrograms Application. The application will ask for background information related to grant eligibility, as well as a proposed budget. Please note that your personal information, such as contact information, will be received through your Coversheet in MathPrograms, and that you are expected to review and update all Coversheet information before submitting your application. 

2. Cover Letter. In this cover letter (up to one page) you will describe how you expect the award to have an impact on your research and on your development as a mathematician. The cover letter should include information on factors affecting research productivity, such as teaching loads, significant institutional or departmental duties, and features of your student population and type of institution. You may also wish to address any special circumstances not addressed elsewhere in the application, including but not limited to career interruptions.