Schmidt Science Fellows
Infectious disease. Climate change. Food insecurity. An aging population. Species extinction. The crises that face our planet and our society are broad, deep, and multi-faceted. They recognize none of the neat boundaries that are often and traditionally applied to science.
Schmidt Science Fellows, in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, aims to develop the next generation of science leaders to transcend disciplines, advance discovery, and solve the world’s most pressing problems.
Schmidt Science Fellows are pioneers, trailblazers, and risk-takers. Fellows enjoy unparalleled intellectual and scientific freedom and membership in a supportive, lifelong community that provides a safe place to take scientific risks and push the frontiers of science.
The Program supports Fellows to pursue a postdoctoral placement in a world-leading laboratory anywhere in the world at a disciplinary pivot from their PhD. During their Fellowship year, they also participate in a varied and rigorous Global Meeting Series that introduces new research ideas, techniques, and questions, in addition to a tailored training program. Fellows benefit from a personalized mentoring program, providing professional development support from experienced and internationally accomplished scientists. At the completion of the Fellowship Year, they join a Senior Fellows community for ongoing collaboration, connection, and professional development.
The Program was launched in 2017 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt. It is an initiative of Schmidt Futures, delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust.