URL: https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/

Objectives

The Schmidt Science Fellows Program supports emerging scientists to pivot from their PhD discipline and pursue their goals through bold interdisciplinary research. We aim to help scientists solve bigger problems faster by identifying, developing, and amplifying the next generation of science leaders. Through our Fellowship, we are building a community of scientists and supporters of interdisciplinary science and leveraging this network to drive sector-wide change.

The Fellows will work with the Schmidt Sciences Program Team to identify a postdoctoral research placement in a world-class research environment that provides optimal support to develop their interdisciplinary science, receive personalized mentoring from experienced and internationally accomplished senior interdisciplinary scientists, and participate in the bespoke Science Leadership Program. Fellows will build the skills, experience, and networks necessary to become interdisciplinary science leaders.

Schmidt Sciences will host informational webinars on the days listed below with more likely included in the future. Register to attend.

  • March 23 at 5:30 am ET (9:30am GMT)
  • March 24 at 12 pm ET (4pm GMT)

Funding Information

$110,000 per year for up to 2 years of postdoctoral research ($220,000 total).

Eligibility

Nominees must:

  • Be studying for a PhD in natural sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics), engineering, math, or computing, including any sub-disciplines
    • Individuals in clinical track MD-PhD programs are not eligible
  • Have a degree conferral date between May 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027
  • Plan to pivot from their PhD discipline and pursue bold interdisciplinary research to address different or broader questions than those posed during their PhD
    • Pivoting into social or political science or economics is not permitted
  • Able to start their Fellowship in July or October 2027
  • Be nominated by BU

Internal Selection Process

BU may forward 2 doctoral students as institutional nominees.

Interested doctoral students should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 3/13/2026

  • Contributions to Science Statement (max 250 words) briefly summarizing up to 3 of your most significant contributions to science so far
  • Approach to Collaboration Statement (max 250 words) describing your approach to collaboration, any experience you’ve had in participating or leading collaborations, and how you intend to approach initiating collaborative ventures in the future
  • Motivation and Interest Statement (max 250 words) explaining what draws you to the program and how it would benefit you
  • Future Research Plans Summary (max 2 pages) outlining the proposed research, new tools and skills you’ll need to develop, and how the fellowship would be an interdisciplinary pivot from your PhD. References may be included on one additional page
  • Up-to-date CV

As necessary, an ad hoc faculty committee will review internal proposals and recommend institutional nominees. Upon selection, nominees will need to coordinate with BU staff to submit preliminary details by 6/1/2026.

Deadlines

Internal Materials Due: Friday, March 13, 2026 by 2:00 pm ET

Anticipated Notification Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

Preliminary Details Due: Wednesday, June 1, 2026

Full Application Materials Due: Monday, July 13, 2026

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