Schmidt Science Fellowship
This scholarship is closed.
- Enrolment status
- Current UQ student
- Student type
- Domestic, International
- Study level
- Postgraduate research (HDR)
- Study area
- Architecture, design and urban planning, Computer science and IT, Engineering, Environment, Science and mathematics
- Scholarship focus
- Academic excellence
- Funding type
- Living stipend, Travel
- Scholarship value
- USD $110,000 per year for to two years of postdoctoral research
- Scholarship duration
- 12-24 months
- Number awarded
- May vary
- Applications open
- 10 February 2025
- Applications close
- 30 March 2025
About this scholarship
The Schmidt Science Fellows program provides the world’s best-emerging scientists with new skills and perspectives to develop novel solutions to society’s challenges, become scientific and societal thought leaders, and accelerate ground-breaking discoveries. Our Fellowship enables the world’s best-emerging scientists to pivot from their PhD discipline and pursue their goals through bold interdisciplinary research.
We look for the brightest minds in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computing who are interested in broadening their horizons. Candidates to be Schmidt Science Fellows are expected to already have a strong track record of scientific achievement from their PhD studies, combined with a clear intellectual curiosity and desire to drive future discoveries. They should have the commitment and character to engage with society and global challenges to make a lasting difference in the world. Our Fellows should have a collaborative spirit with the experience and desire to work with diverse teams and across scientific disciplines.
Schmidt Science Fellows undertake a 12-24 month postdoctoral placement. This placement commences after a Fellow successfully completes their PhD in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, or computing. Fellows’ placements will represent a significant disciplinary pivot from their PhD topic and are central to the program’s aim to foster greater interdisciplinarity. All placements are with world-leading scientific leaders and internationally renowned labs. The program works with Fellows after selection to identify and secure a placement that will best achieve their scientific pivot. We work with each placement host to ensure Fellows benefit from a stimulating, challenging, and rewarding environment.
Research environment
Schmidt Science Fellows undertake a postdoctoral placement in a world-class environment that best meets each individual’s needs to develop their interdisciplinary science skills. Placements can be completed anywhere in the world and in a broad range of research environments. We strongly encourage all our Fellows to take advantage of the unique academic freedom and support from the Program to explore a range of options and institutions. We require that all Fellows maintain an affiliation with an academic institution during the placement to support their professional development.
We ask every applicant to the program to provide initial ideas on three potential placement locations. These are not final or binding. This process encourages every potential Schmidt Science Fellow to fully consider their options and the opportunity being made available to them. Final decisions on placements are discussed with Fellows soon after selection and Fellows are supported by their Academic Council mentors in making the final decision. Decisions are subject to approval by the program to ensure the most appropriate fit for each Fellow’s scientific plans and career development.
Fellows have the flexibility to extend or shorten their Placement within the 12-24 month range in discussion with the Program. Fellows wishing to continue their Fellowship Research Placement beyond 12 months participate in a review process at 10 months to discuss progress, objectives, and plans for the remainder of the Placement.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for nomination to the Schmidt Science Fellows application process, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have conducted their graduate degree in natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics), Engineering, Mathematics, Computing – or any of the sub-disciplines.
- Expected to complete all requirements for the conferral of their PhD between May 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
- Able to start their Fellowship in July 2026 or October 2026, available from April 2026 to July 2027 to attend virtual onboarding activities, and from October 2026 to attend in-person convenings.
How to apply
Express your interest in the form below.
What happens next
A selection panel will consider all applications and will be in contact with you shortly after the closing date.