April 29, 2022

The Schmidt Science Fellows program, in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, aims to equip the next generation of leaders and innovators with the tools and opportunities to drive world-changing advances across the sciences and society by giving them a year of scientific broadening between their Ph.D. and the start of their research career. The Schmidt Science Fellows program will expose participants to new scientific breakthroughs, new fields of studies, new micro-cultures, and new ideas that they will take with them throughout their lives.

The University of Washington has been specifically invited to select nominees to advance to the international selection committee. In order to be eligible to become a Schmidt Science Fellow, individuals must have received or expect to receive a Ph.D. in 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 and to have completed, or be expected to complete, all the requirements for their Ph.D. between June 01, 2022, and July 30, 2023.

Successful Fellows are expected to combine scientific curiosity with extraordinary academic achievement. They should have demonstrated a collaborative spirit and ambition to make a lasting impact in science and society, conducting research and pursuing knowledge that will benefit the world.

Fellows receive a stipend of $100,000 and are supported by the Program to undertake a full-time, postdoctoral study for at least one year in a world-leading laboratory in a field different from their existing area of expertise. Fellows also spend five weeks during their fellowship year at four residential meetings around the globe where they receive bespoke training to help them become the next generation of science leaders.  In these meetings the fellows are introduced to new research ideas, techniques, and questions, they are exposed to a wide-range of cutting-edge science, leading thinkers and institutions, and they receive tailored training in science communication, leadership, and how to facilitate interdisciplinary research. Throughout the Fellowship year, Fellows receive regular scientific and professional mentoring from a member of our Academic Council and they continue to have access to this support after their Fellowship is complete to support their professional development further.

To be considered as one of our exceptional nominees, please submit the following elements as one PDF package via GoogleForm by May 13, 12 pm.  The google form is restricted to UW google addresses so applicants may need to logout of personal Gmail accounts first. Each of the documents below should be limited to one page and address the selection criteria outlined in the attached document. Also, please review this video on the fellowship selection criteria.

  • Letter of recommendation and nomination by a faculty member (1pg)
  • Personal statement from the candidate (1pg)

UW Nominees will be notified and advanced to the Foundation by the end of May, and additional information about compiling a full application will be provided at that time.

Questions? Send to Associate Dean Bill Mahoney in the Office of Postdoc Affairs: uwopa@uw.edu. 

Nomination packets should be uploaded here: https://forms.gle/p2MqnuTmj64N5p9W6

Please review the program website for more info: https://schmidtsciencefellows.org