About

Nominations for the Schmidt Science Fellows program are now open.

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• Have conducted their PhD in the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing – and all sub-disciplines therein.

• Candidates must have a keen interest in undertaking an interdisciplinary research pivot during a postdoctoral placement.

• Have completed, or expect to complete, all of the requirements for the conferral of their PhD in one of these fields between May 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

• Able to start their Fellowship in July 2026 or October 2026, available from April 2026 to July 2027 to attend virtual onboarding activities, and from October 2026 to attend in-person convenings.

• More about eligibility: https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/selection/eligibility/

Evaluation Criteria

Intellect

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Scientific Curiosity and Innovation – High degree of intellectual curiosity combined with energy and creativity; a record of continuous innovation and/or use of new technologies. 

Programmatic Fit

• Alignment with the Program – Interest in pursuing 12-24 months of postdoctoral study in a field different from the applicant's PhD discipline and a belief that interdisciplinary science and the taking of appropriate scientific risks are important for the advancement of discovery. 

• Brilliant minds in natural sciences, math, engineering, and computing with a commitment to interdisciplinary science.

• Curious and creative scientists who are interested in broadening 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.

• Future leaders with the potential and character to lead teams and unlock transformative discoveries in the future.

• Talented individuals from a wide range of scientific disciplines who are motivated to increase the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration.

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If you have any questions please send an email to gradfellowshipnoms@ucsd.edu which will create a support ticket.

Deadlines

Nominations are now open. Nominations must be submitted by April 21, 2025.

Selected Nominees

If your student is selected as an institutional nominee, they will receive a code from GEPA. They will be required to use their code to initiate their application and supply contact details and other preliminary information. An extensive timeline can be foundhere. 

Nominees 

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Visit Schmidt Science Fellows Program Fellows Page to learn more about Schmidt science Fellows and their research. 

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