At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this award so you know exactly what it funds, the strict institutional and visa eligibility, and how to apply before the 16 October 2026 deadline. The Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience, run by the New York Academy of Sciences, support the most innovative young researchers at a critical stage of their careers, their postdoctoral research, at accredited institutions across the five boroughs of New York City.
What the Scholarships Are For
🧠 The Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience (LLSN) aim to promote groundbreaking neuroscience research in the five boroughs of New York City, supporting innovative young researchers during their postdoctoral research as they develop the ideas that will help establish them as independent neuroscientists.
🎯 The programme cultivates excellence in a diverse neuroscience workforce, provides enhanced research autonomy, helps scholars build wider professional skills (grant and paper writing, project and budget management, neuroethics, community engagement), and builds an engaged alumni community.
🏛️ Any accredited non-profit academic institution located within the five boroughs of New York City that conducts original neuroscience research is eligible to host a scholar.
The Award
💶 The scholarship is a three-year award. Scholars receive an annual stipend equal to 125% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral rate, according to postdoctoral year.
🎁 In addition, scholars receive a $2,000 flexible technology and travel allowance as a one-time award, and an annual care supplement, among other benefits.
🤝 Scholars also gain New York Academy of Sciences membership, mentorship, grant-writing support and workshops, and access to an alumni community.
🌱 Comparing US postdoctoral research routes? See the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Research in Sustainability in the 🇺🇸 United States → https://youthworkshub.org/21047
Who Can Apply
🎓 Applicants must hold a doctorate (PhD, DPhil, MD, DDS or DVM) and have no more than three years of cumulative postdoctoral experience; the doctorate must not have been earned earlier than 1 September 2024 (for the 2027 cycle).
🏙️ You must be based at an accredited non-profit institution within the five boroughs of New York City, where a Research Advisor supports you for the full period; the award is tied to a NYC institution and can only transfer to another NYC institution.
🛂 According to Youth Works Hub's review, eligible visa or residency status includes US citizen, green card holder, J-1 Research Scholar, H-1B (valid for the full period), DACA, or asylee/refugee.
How to Apply
📝 Applications are made through the SMApply platform. Based on our review, the required materials include a CV, a Research Proposal (max 1,400 words), a Professional Service and DEI Statement (max 500 words), a Career Development Plan (max 500 words), and three letters of support (from your Research Advisor and two others).
📅 Information sessions were held on 15 and 18 September 2026; both cover the same content, so you only need to register for one.
The Timeline
🗓️ According to Youth Works Hub's review, applications opened on 21 August 2026 and close on 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM EST; results are expected in March 2027, with an announcement in April 2027 and a start date of 1 September 2027.
🔬 Scholars commit to full-time research (with a maximum of 20% clinical work), an orientation, an annual Leon Levy Symposium, quarterly seminars, and reporting.
📧 Questions go to leonlevy@nyas.org (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Who is eligible? Postdoctoral researchers with a doctorate and no more than three years of cumulative postdoc experience, based at an accredited non-profit institution in NYC's five boroughs, with an eligible US visa or residency status.
❓ What does it pay? A three-year annual stipend equal to 125% of the NIH postdoctoral rate, plus a one-time $2,000 technology and travel allowance and an annual care supplement.
❓ How recent must my PhD be? For the 2027 cycle, the doctorate must not have been earned earlier than 1 September 2024.
❓ How do I apply? Through the SMApply platform, with a research proposal, statements, a career development plan and three letters of support.
❓ When is the deadline? 16 October 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
Deadline
⏳ 16 October 2026, 23:59 EST
Links
🔗 Apply here: https://leonlevyscholars.smapply.io/prog/leon_levy_scholarships_in_neuroscience_2027/
🔗 Official page: https://www.nyas.org/shaping-science/fellowships/the-leon-levy-scholarships-in-neuroscience-llsn/
You'll find more postdoctoral research awards and fellowships, explained in plain language, on Youth Works Hub.
