Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience 2027

Deadline: October 16, 2026

Applications are open for the Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience 2027. The Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience (LLSN) program aims to promote groundbreaking neuroscience research in the five boroughs of New York City. The Scholarships support the most innovative young researchers at a critical stage of their careers—their postdoctoral research—as they develop the new ideas and directions that will help establish them as independent neuroscientists.

The Scholarships seek to support exceptional young researchers as they pursue innovative investigations in neuroscience and advance their careers toward independent research by:

Cultivating excellence and innovation in a diverse neuroscience workforce and supporting postdoctoral Scholars, from all backgrounds, in preparing for a scientific career in the face of increasing competition.

Providing enhanced research autonomy to promote impactful scientific research.

Helping Scholars to develop wider professional skills such as writing grants and papers, project and budget management, promoting neuroethics, and enhanced community engagement.

Building and maintaining an engaged Leon Levy Scholar Alumni community to enhance collaboration and partnerships, encourage mentorship and networking, foster data sharing, and advance team science.

Benefits

The Leon Levy Scholarship is a three (3)-year award. Scholars will receive

Annual stipend equals 125% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral rate, according to the postdoctoral year

Fringe benefits at the host institution’s rate for postdoctoral Scholars

US$2,000 flexible technology and travel allowance as a one-time award

Annual supplement of up to US$10,000 to support care costs (e.g. dependent care)

Indirect support to the host institution will be allowed at the standard published rate if less than 20% and capped at 20%.

3-year Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences

Participation in a structured Mentorship Program for Leon Levy Scholars

Access to leadership and skills-building workshops through The New York Academy of Sciences

Access to the community of past and present Leon Levy Scholars and Fellows

Grant writing support

Eligibility

Applicant’s Eligibility

By the time of appointment on September 1, 2027, the applicant must

Hold a doctoral degree (PhD, DPhil, MD, DDS, DVM, etc.)

Hold a full-time postdoctoral position at an eligible institution, or an institution that has obtained eligibility prior to the closing of the application period, in one of New York City’s five boroughs. Applicants must be employed by an eligible institution at the time the Scholarship begins, and should have the support of their proposed Research Advisor at the time of application.

Possess no more than three (3) years of cumulative postdoctoral experience. In other words, applicants’ doctoral degrees cannot be dated before September 1, 2024.

Conduct research in Neuroscience or one of its sub-disciplines while they hold the Leon Levy Scholarships

Be able to meet at least one of the following designated criteria at the time of appointment: be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident (holder of a Permanent Resident Card); holder of J-1 Research Scholar status or an H-1B Temporary Employee Status visa valid for the full tenure of the Scholarship; an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program; Indigenous individual exercising rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794; Individual granted Temporary Protected Status; Asylee; or Refugee. Conditional Visas will be considered.

There is no upper limit on the number of applicants per institution or per laboratory. Previous recipients of a Leon Levy Fellowship are not eligible to apply.

Institution Eligibility

Any accredited non-profit academic institution that is located within the five boroughs of New York City and conducts original neuroscience research is considered eligible.

Application

All materials must be submitted by October 16, 2026. Scholarships for the 2027 cohort of Scholars will run from September 1, 2027 to August 31, 2030.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience.

Hold a full-time postdoctoral position at an eligible institution, or an institution that has obtained eligibility prior to the closing of the application period, in one of New York City’s five boroughs.

By the time of appointment on September 1, 2027, the applicant must: Hold a doctoral degree (PhD, DPhil, MD, DDS, DVM, etc.) Hold a full-time postdoctoral position at an eligible institution, or an institution that has obtained eligibility prior to the closing of the application period, in one of New York City’s five boroughs. Applicants must be employed by an eligible institution at the time the Scholarship begins, and should have the support of their proposed Research Advisor at the time of application. Possess no more than three (3) years of cumulative postdoctoral experience. In other words, applicants’ doctoral degrees cannot be dated before September 1, 2024. Conduct research in Neuroscience or one of its sub-disciplines while they hold the Leon Levy Scholarships Be able to meet at least one of the following designated criteria at the time of appointment: be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident (holder of a Permanent Resident Card); holder of J-1 Research Scholar status or an H-1B Temporary Employee Status visa valid for the full tenure of the Scholarship; an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program; Indigenous individual exercising rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794; Individual granted Temporary Protected Status; Asylee; or Refugee. Conditional Visas will be considered. There is no upper limit on the number of applicants per institution or per laboratory. Previous recipients of a Leon Levy Fellowship are not eligible to apply.

All materials must be submitted by October 16, 2026.