Thirty-two early career researchers, tackling issues from improving food security to developing better medical implants, have been announced as the 2025 Schmidt Science Fellows and will pursue innovative interdisciplinary science.
Now in its eighth year, the Fellowship provides financial support for a postdoctoral Placement of one to two years at a world-class research institution.
The funding equips scientists to apply their knowledge to a new field of study with the goal of accelerating discoveries, and to develop their leadership potential.
Meet the 2025 Fellows and explore their groundbreaking research.
They join a community of 209 Schmidt Science Fellows from nearly 40 countries who are leaders in interdisciplinary science.
“Philanthropic funding of scientific research, and especially support of early-career researchers, has never been more important,” said Wendy Schmidt, who co-founded Schmidt Science Fellows with her husband, Eric.
“By providing Schmidt Science Fellows with support, community, and freedom to work across disciplines and gain new insights, we hope they’ll tackle some of the world’s most vexing challenges, achieve breakthroughs and help create a healthier, more resilient world for all.”
Established in 2017, Schmidt Science Fellows is a program of Schmidt Sciences delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust.
The 2025 Fellows represent 15 nationalities, including researchers from Jordan and the United Arab Emirates for the first time in the program’s history.
This year’s cohort will work on a range of problems from cancer treatment to quantum technologies to sustainability.
For example, Zhaoquan Wang (nominated by Cornell University) will pivot from immunology to evolutionary biology and explore advanced cognitive and regenerative capabilities of the octopus, pioneering cutting-edge biomedical research.
Noora Almarri (nominated by University College London) will pivot from electrical engineering to biomaterials with an aim of developing smart artificial blood vessels that enhance regrowth and provide real-time health monitoring.
Alongside their research Placement, Fellows participate in a 12-month interdisciplinary Science Leadership Program.
“Our Fellows represent the next generation of visionary research leaders,” said Dr. Megan Kenna, Executive Director of Schmidt Science Fellows.
“Through their work, they will break down barriers, drive interdisciplinary breakthroughs, and push the frontiers of human knowledge. Our Fellowship is designed to empower their growth—now and in the years ahead.
“Through tailored training, mentorship, and a dynamic community, we provide the support and environment they need to realize their full potential and make a lasting impact.”
Each year, Schmidt Science Fellows works in partnership with more than 100 universities to identify candidates for the Fellowship.
Nominees are selected via an application process that includes an academic review with panels of experts in their original disciplines and final interviews with a multidisciplinary panel of scientists and private sector leaders.
“The Schmidt Science Fellows Program is cultivating a dynamic global community of remarkable scientists and champions of interdisciplinary research,” said Stu Feldman, Chief Scientist at Schmidt Sciences.
“Their work exemplifies Schmidt Sciences’ commitment to support pioneering approaches that will drive the next era of discovery and innovation.”
The 2025 Schmidt Science Fellows represent 27 nominating universities, including, for the first time, McGill University in Canada, RWTH Aachen University in Germany, Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, University of California, Los Angeles in the US, and University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
As part of the broader mission of supporting interdisciplinary science, Schmidt Science Fellows partnered with Times Higher Education to create the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, which identifies and promotes best practices from institutions prioritizing cross-disciplinary research.
The inaugural edition of the ranking was released in November 2024. This year’s list will be shared in fall 2025.
Discover the work of our Senior Fellows, those awarded Fellowships in previous years, in this compelling series of profile films.
