Schmidt Science Fellows

The Schmidt Science Fellows program was created to break down the silos that prevent scientific breakthroughs. Founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt through Schmidt Sciences, and administered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, the fellowship supports exceptional postdoctoral researchers who want to pivot into a new scientific discipline. The core premise is that the most important discoveries of the 21st century will come from scientists who can bridge multiple fields.

Each year, approximately 20-30 fellows are selected from a global pool of recently completed PhD graduates. The fellowship provides full funding for a two-year postdoc at a world-class laboratory in a field different from the fellow's PhD discipline. For example, a physicist might do their postdoc in computational biology, or a computer scientist might pivot to climate science. This deliberate field-switching is the defining feature of the program.

Fellows also participate in a comprehensive leadership development program, including global convenings, mentorship from senior scientists, and training in science communication, policy, and entrepreneurship. The fellowship community is deliberately small and tight-knit, creating deep bonds between fellows across disciplines and geographies. Schmidt Science Fellows are expected to become leaders who drive interdisciplinary science throughout their careers.