Overview - Schmidt Science Fellows

We Strive to:

Expand the horizons of aspiring scientists by introducing them to new fields, research cultures, technologies, and cutting-edge advances

Develop the skills and qualities Fellows will need to pursue innovative discoveries and serve as future leaders in their fields and in society

Build a collaborative spirit of fellowship that will guide the Fellows throughout their careers

Why Now

We have entered a fundamentally new era of science and technology, one where a new generation of scientific leaders have the potential to change the world for the better. Scientific progress and cutting-edge technologies are rapidly accelerating our understanding of the natural and built worlds. Research is increasingly global and can affect a wide range of pressing societal challenges. In this new era, the best scientists should draw insights from across numerous different disciplines, be able to apply new techniques, and possess a broad world-view informed by the intersections between science and the rest of society.

Purpose

The Schmidt Science Fellows program aims to create a new generation of scientific leaders. Our goal is to give the world’s best aspiring scientific minds a broader perspective, the ability to engage in an interdisciplinary way, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in society. Through a combination of group sessions at some of the world’s leading universities and a special postdoctoral study in a field different from their existing expertise, Fellows are exposed to new topics, new ways of thinking, and new people that will help guide their future paths to success. With an initial commitment of at least $25 million for the first three years, this innovative fellowship represents the beginning of a broader $100 million effort to drive scientific leadership and interdisciplinary research across society over the next decade and beyond.