Symbiosis + Simons 2026
Application Open November 2025
SYMBIOSIS / SIMONS 2026 is a program presented by the Simons Foundation as part of their National Initiative INFINITE SUMS.
This Open Call is exclusively open to filmmakers + moving image artists residing in New York during the Spring of 2026.
Scientists from diverse disciplines in the basic sciences will be pre-selected by the Simons Foundation. As SYMBIOSIS emphasizes collaboration, all creative work between filmmakers and scientists must take place during the designated production period.
Watch prior Symbiosis films on Labocine.
Symbiosis / Simons 2026
Where: New York
Symbiosis XVII Timeline
Open Call Launch: November 2025
Application Deadline: January 2026
Selections Announced: March 2026
Production & Collaboration Period: April 2026
Final Screenings & Presentations: April/May 2026
Applications will open shortly for Symbiosis / Simons 2026. Review the application guidelines below thoroughly for the following year. Still have questions? Write to us at sciencenewwave@labocine.com.
[1] Become a Science New Wave Luminary Member
Sign up to Labocine
Subscribe to the Yearly Subscription
Fill out your Habitat Profile (bio + photo) via Your Account
The Science New Wave Luminary Member status will then appear on your Account/Habitat profile next to your photo with a unique DNA sequence.
Learn more about SNW Luminary Member Benefits.
[2] Submit a 1-page cover letter (PDF) sharing a bit about yourself, why you’re interested in participating in the Symbiosis initiative, and how you relate to the Science New Wave movement and its ideas.
[3] Send us your video work via the Labocine platform.
If you are submitting a film (credits, edited), send us a screener via the Film Submission Portal. For raw footage/data (fieldwork, art installation, experiments) submit it via the Scene Submission Portal.
If you already have a video on Labocine, you're all set and do not need to resubmit this particular work! But feel free to submit more work—we’d love to see what else you've been creating and consider it for additional programming.
By default, all films/videos on Labocine are set to private and can only be viewed by those affiliated with the film and the Symbiosis Selection committee. Please note that we do not accept separate video links by email, as all films must be viewed by our Symbiosis Selection Committee directly on Labocine.
[Below is optional]
- CV/Resume
- Creative portfolio: In the email, send us any links to sites or attachments to other non-video creative work and/or research (articles, presentations, sketchbook/storyboard).
[Send by email]
- Submit your application including attachments: sciencenewwave@labocine.com
- Include in email title: Name - [SNW ID] (ex: Ringo Marquez - AGGGCATCAACC]
- Share your public Habitat profile in your email submission (ex: https://www.labocine.com/habitat/ringo)
[Mention/list in the email the material you are submitting to Labocine and included as links and/or attachments]
Symbiosis FAQ >>
Is Symbiosis no longer part of the festival in the Fall? Symbiosis, now presented by Labocine, has grown in popularity and continues to evolve through new formats and approaches. This particular edition of Symbiosis is presented in partnership with the Simons Foundation and will take place in the spring. We’ll also be in touch about additional Symbiosis programs taking place throughout the year.
Who can apply? We’re looking for artists and filmmakers eager to collaborate across disciplines. Scientists are selected separately by the Simons Foundation. While the call is open to all creative backgrounds, participants must be in New York for the duration of the Symbiosis program to take part in the in-person collaboration and production period.
What are the key dates? The dates are not yet posted but this upcoming edition takes place in the Spring 2026. Here’s a general timeline: the cohort will be announced first, a mixer will take place shortly after, a Symbiosis Lab meeting will be held mid-way through production and there will be a final screening at the end of production.
Do you cover travel and housing expenses? No, we do not cover these expenses this time around as scientists + filmmakers must be in New York during the program.
Can I do any creative work in advance of Symbiosis? Creating this film should be an equal collaboration (thus the term Symbiosis) between scientist and filmmaker. This means that all visuals, sounds, subject matter and approach must be decided after meeting your scientist partner on the first day of the process. All creative work must take place during the week of Symbiosis. That said, you will have a few weeks before the production to get to know the cohort and tell us who you’d like to be paired with ideally.
Can we include a cast + crew beyond the scientist and filmmaker? Yes, you can. However, all decisions regarding additional crew members should be made collaboratively between the scientist and filmmaker. We do want both of you to be very hands-on in all stages (concept, production, editing).
Are we expected to work on our films full-time? Yes and no, we understand that everyone has other commitments. Please ensure you remain in the city for the entire two periods. All we ask is clear communication, planning to work together, and setting a schedule.
What kind of films are you expecting? The only condition is that films be under 10 minutes. Surprise us! We love films that defy categorization—innovative documentaries, gripping science fiction, fictional documentaries, experimental film, personal essays, and creative animation. We also support sci-art collaborations, where scientists and filmmakers work together, or scientists create films and artists conduct experiments. It's all open-ended!
Do filmmakers receive a stipend? Yes. All filmmakers receive a production stipend to manage their own project and related expenses. Filmmakers are encouraged to consult closely with their paired scientists throughout the development and production period — including when planning and allocating expenses.
Is equipment provided? No. The stipend should cover all production costs, including equipment.
What happens to our films after Symbiosis? After Symbiosis, the films will be streamed by the Simons Foundation. Any decisions regarding revisions, editing, distribution, or further use should be made in collaboration with your partner. Additionally, Labocine reserves the right to showcase the films through their channels immediately after they are made. Rest assured, this is a great opportunity—we'll be helping to expand your film’s reach!
I still have a question. Who can I contact? First, please check if your question is already answered here. If not, feel free to send your inquiry to sciencenewwave@labocine.com.
