In order to be eligible for nomination and potential selection as a Schmidt Science Fellow, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Graduate degree in the natural sciences, Engineering, Mathematics or Computing with a commitment to interdisciplinary science
• Have completed or expect to complete all of the requirements for the conferral of their doctorate in one of these fields between May 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026
• Be able to start their fellowship in July 2026 or October 2026 and available from April 2026 to July 2027 to attend onboarding activities, the in-person Science Leadership Program convenings, and the annual Schmidt Science Fellows Interdisciplinary Science Summit

 Who is the Target Group?

The program addresses outstanding doctoral researchers who combine keen scientific curiosity with the capability of cooperation,  wish to make a major contribution to science and the society by their work, and are ready to focus on a discipline that is different from their existing area of expertise during the funding period.

Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, color, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.

The doctorate should be completed between May 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

The Schmidt Science Fellows Program attaches particular attention to the following criteria:

• Intellectual spark – a high degree of intelligence, energy, and intellectual curiosity that will drive future scientific discoveries.
• Global ambitions – the will to make a lasting impact in the sciences and society, pursuing knowledge that will benefit the world by engaging in ambitious research and displaying great perseverance throughout the scientific process.
• Character – a genuine and demonstrable interest in society and global challenges, combined with a desire to use personal talents and expertise to make a positive difference in the world.
• Collaborative spirit – demonstrated effective collaboration with diverse team members.
• Use of innovative tools – interest and comfort in using innovative technological tools, such as modern computing and data science techniques.
• Curious and creative scientists who are interested in boarding their horizons by pivoting away from their PhD research area and pursuing a challenging and rewarding period of study in an alternative research discipline with world-leading scientists
• Academically excellent, risk-positive, early-career researchers who can demonstrate a commitment to ambitious, high-impact science

Alignment with the program – interest in pursuing a year or more of postdoctoral study in a field different from the topic of study for which the applicant received the doctorate.