2026 Schmidt Science Fellows - Call for proposals

Aim

Schmidt Science Fellows is an initiative of Schmidt Sciences, delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust. It is designed to support pioneering young scientists develop the skills and perspectives needed to accelerate discovery, advance interdisciplinary solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, and become future leaders in science and society.

The Fellows:

• Receive a personal stipend of USD 110,000 per year for up to two years of postdoctoral study in a different area from their PhD, at any approved institution worldwide. Selected Fellows will work together with the Schmidt Science Academic Council to determine the optimal host laboratory for their research placement (on the basis of three potential labs chosen by the fellow at full application stage).
• Build a global network through the Science Leadership Program, a bespoke professional development curriculum delivered across three week-long residential convenings and a rich set of virtual offerings.
• Benefit from personalized mentoring delivered by experienced international interdisciplinary science leaders to develop as scientific and societal thought leaders.

Who are they looking for?

• 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 discipline with world-leading scientists. Proposed pivots must be to the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing or any sub-disciplines of these subjects.
• 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 to increase the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration.

The pivot should enable a Fellow to achieve a scientific goal that is not possible while continuing their current course, allowing them to overcome a scientific challenge using different approaches or perspectives. Proposed pivots must be to the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing or any sub-disciplines of these subjects. Pivots to the social sciences are outside the scope of the Schmidt Science Fellowship.

Eligibility

EPFL is invited to nominate 7 candidates, who will be selected by the EPFL Research Awards Commission.

Candidates must be:

• Studying for a PhD in natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics), Engineering, Mathematics, Computing – or any of the sub-disciplines, at one of our nominating partner institutions. Individuals on clinical track MD-PhD or Veterinary-PhD programs are not eligible.
• Expected to complete all requirements for the conferral of their PhD between 15 May 2025 and 30 June 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.

Applications for the Schmidt Science Fellows program will be judged against the following criteria:

• Intellect: a clear record of academic achievement of the highest quality and a high degree of intellectual curiosity combined with energy and creativity,
• Programmatic fit: interest in pursuing postdoctoral research in a different field from the applicant’s PhD discipline, a belief that interdisciplinary science is important, and a history of effective collaboration with diverse team members,

Leadership: demonstrable potential for science leadership and a desire to use one’s personal talents and science to make a positive difference in society and the world.

How to apply

Your thesis supervisor should send a half-page email to [email protected] (title: Schmidt Science Fellows, [candidate’s first and last name]) highlighting their support for your application and your proposed pivot. Please reach out to them ASAP, do not wait for the deadline to request their support. The deadline to receive their support is similar to the application deadline: 07 March 2025. Your application will not be considered if we do not receive this support note.

Candidates should submit their application via EPFL’s online application platform. The following information will be requested:

• Achievement: Clear record of academic achievement of the highest quality. (max 1000 characters)
• Scientific Curiosity & Innovation: High degree of curiosity combined with energy and creativity; a record of continuous innovation and/or use of new technology. (max 1000 characters)
• Pivot: Interest in pursuing 12-24 months of postdoctoral study that will pivot from your PhD discipline, and provide justification for the importance of interdisciplinary science. (max 1000 characters)
• Collaborative Spirit: History of effective collaboration with a wide array of collaborators. (max 1000 characters)
• Leadership: Demonstrate your potential for science leadership; displaying perseverance, resilience, a moral compass, and a positive personality. (max 1000 characters)
• Global Ambition for Social Good: Science to make a positive difference in society and the world. (max 1000 characters)
• Provide a lay summary of your postdoc research proposal. (max 1500 characters).
• CV

Deadlines

• Internal submission deadline: 07 March 2025 (17:00 CET).
• Selection by the doctoral schools: March 2025.
• Internal selection of the 7 EPFL candidates: May 2025, by the EPFL Research Awards Commission.
• Registration (preliminary details): 8 May to 29 May 2025, by the applicant.
• Full application: 14 July 2025, by the applicant.
• Final selection interviews: January 2026.
• Final decisions: April 2026.
• Start: July orOctober 2026.

Please note that no feedback will be provided to unsuccessful candidates due to the large number of applications.