If you are an undergraduate student curious about how the brain works and want real research experience before graduating, the Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) 2026 may be an opportunity worth exploring. Offered by the Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division, this program allows students to work directly in neuroscience research laboratories during the academic year while receiving financial support. What makes this fellowship especially exciting is that it combines hands-on lab experience with mentorship from leading neuroscientists, giving you early exposure to the kind of work that shapes modern brain science.

What This Opportunity Really Offers You

The SURFiN Neuroscience Fellowship 2026 is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the practical side of neuroscience research. During the program, you will work closely with experienced scientists and principal investigators in professional laboratories, learning how modern neuroscience research is conducted. The fellowship runs throughout the academic year—from September 2026 to May 2027—allowing you to combine university studies with meaningful research experience. Selected fellows receive a stipend of $7,500 for their participation in research activities during the academic year. In addition, the program offers $2,000 in professional development support, which can be used for research-related resources, training opportunities, or academic development. Beyond the financial support, one of the most valuable aspects of the fellowship is the mentorship and exposure to advanced neuroscience research methods that shape modern brain science.

The Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship focuses on neuroscience and brain research. Fellows join laboratories supported by the Simons Foundation’s neuroscience initiatives, including research areas connected to:

• Brain function and neural systems
  
• Autism and neurodevelopment research
  
• Brain plasticity and aging
  
• Ecological neuroscience
  
• Global brain research collaborations

Who Can Apply for Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026?

The SURFiN Neuroscience Fellowship 2026 is open to undergraduate students who are eager to explore neuroscience research in a professional laboratory environment. To apply, you must currently be enrolled in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program and remain enrolled through at least April 15, 2026. Applicants must also be 18 years of age or older by July 31, 2026. Because the fellowship involves in-person laboratory work, students must be able to commute to their assigned research lab within approximately 1.5 hours and commit to participating in research activities between September 2026 and May 2027. Importantly, the program has no citizenship restrictions, meaning students from different backgrounds can apply. You don’t need prior laboratory experience, making the opportunity accessible to students who are entering research for the first time.

How to Apply for Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026?

Applying for Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026 requires preparing several short academic and research-focused documents. The first step is to review the available participating laboratories and identify the ones that match your interests. Applicants may select up to three lab opportunities, ranking them according to preference. Your application should include a statement of interest (up to 500 words) describing your motivation for joining neuroscience research, along with a research experience summary (up to 400 words) outlining any academic or research activities you have undertaken. You will also need to submit a one-page CV or résumé, your unofficial or official transcript, and one or two letters of reference. You need to submit all materials online through the official fellowship application portal.

Key Details at a Glance

Key Information	Details
Program Name	Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN)
Organization	Simons Foundation
Program Duration	September 2026 – May 2027
Funding Type	Research fellowship with stipend
Financial Support	Up to $11,500 per fellow
Academic Level	Undergraduate students
Research Field	Neuroscience
Study Location	Host research laboratories
Application Deadline	April 21, 2026

If you are passionate about neuroscience and want meaningful research experience during your undergraduate studies, the Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2026 in Neuroscience could be an excellent step toward your future career. Preparing your application early and selecting the right laboratory opportunity can make a strong difference before the April 21, 2026 deadline.

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