What is the Schmidt Science Fellowship?

The Schmidt Science Fellowship enables the world’s best emerging scientists to pivot from their Ph.D. discipline and pursue their goals through bold interdisciplinary research during a 2-year postdoctoral placement.

Interdisciplinary Pivot is essential to the Schmidt Science Fellowship.

How much is the award?

Information about award stipend, award benefits, and postdoctoral placement can be found on this Schmidt Science Fellows’ website.

More information on the Schmidt Science Fellowship Research Placement.

Who is eligible to apply? 

  • Students studying for a Ph.D. in natural sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences), engineering, mathematics, or computing
  • Students with an anticipated Ph.D. conferral, including a successful defense, between May 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026
     

Who is a Schmidt Science Fellow?

How Do I Apply?

Program Nomination required. Please reach out to your Director of Graduate Studies or Graduate Program Coordinator (link). Programs can nominate up to two (2) doctoral students.

For Program Nomination, log in to the electronic nomination form.

What is the deadline?

The nomination deadline for University consideration is April 11, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION FOR UMN INTERNAL REVIEW?

See the accordion section below for more details on nomination materials.

  • DGS Nominating Letter
  • Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae
  • Ph.D. research description (500-word maximum)
  • Three 500-word essays
  • Names of 3-5 letter of recommendation writers (one must be Ph.D. Advisor)

Expand all

NOMINATION MATERIALS FURTHER EXPLAINED

DGS NOMINATING LETTER

  • Maximum 2 pages
  • Highlight:
    • Academic achievements
    • Scientific curiosity
    • Innovativeness of student and/or use of new technology
       

CURRICULUM VITAE

  • Maximum 3 pages
  • Include academic history
  • Highlight: publications, honors & awards, leadership
  • Send to program to include in single PDF application upload


Ph.D. RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

  • Maximum 500 words
  • Provide a summary of your Ph.D. research and its key outcomes
  • Focus on individual contributions
  • Send to program to include in single PDF application upload
     

OTHER THREE ESSAYS

Describe how you exemplify the following three criteria for the Schmidt Science Fellowship Program. Maximum of 500 words per criterion. Send responses to the program to include in a single PDF application upload.

  1. Alignment to Schmidt Science Fellows Program: Commitment to pursuing a year or more of postdoctoral study in a field different from your Ph.D. discipline. A belief that interdisciplinary science and taking appropriate scientific risks are important components of discovery. Please explain the interdisciplinary pivot you are proposing and why this Fellowship is essential to your career development.
  2. Collaborative Spirit: Value the power of bringing people and perspectives together and have a track-record of effective collaboration with diverse team members.
  3. Leadership: Genuine and demonstrable potential for science leadership; perseverance, a moral compass, and a galvanizing force of personality. Driven by the need to use your talent to make a positive difference in society and the world.