The Schmidt Science Fellowship, one of the world’s most prestigious postdoctoral awards, has chosen ASU as one of the “top 100 international scientific and engineering schools” and invited us to nominate two graduating PhDs for the 2027-2028 competition. The program “aims to develop the next generation of science leaders to accelerate and advance discovery by transcending traditional disciplinary barriers.”
The ASU Graduate College is currently seeking up to 2 nominations per PhD program for students meeting the following eligibility criteria:
- Enrolled in a PhD program in the natural sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science), engineering, math, and computing
- Will have their PhD conferred between May 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027
- Have a clear and well-articulated plan to perform postdoctoral research in a different field than that of the nominee's PhD, preferably with a large change to the application area as well.
- Demonstrate evidence of all the following Schmidt criteria:
- extraordinary achievement, including a robust publication record
- scientific curiosity and innovation, with an interest in postdoctoral study in a field different from their academic discipline
- collaborative spirit, character, and leadership
- desire to make a positive difference in society and the world
Fellows receive the following for postdoctoral research in a discipline different than their PhD work:
- $110,000 per year for up to two years
- An extended research placement at a leading research organization where fellows acquire insights and skills in a discipline different than their PhD work
- Access to and mentorship from senior figures in science and industry
- Global meetings and trainings fostering connections across a community of emerging science leaders
In order to select ASU’s two nominees (the ASU Finalists), ASU will conduct the following internal selection process:
- Graduate Faculty Program Director, or designee, submits all the following by March 20, 2026.
- The ASU nomination form
- Two letters of recommendation (signed and on letterhead) to the Dropbox as instructed on the nomination form
- Single PDF containing all the following documents to the Dropbox as instructed on the nomination form
- Abstract of dissertation/current research (500 words) clearly labeled
- Abstract of proposed postdoctoral research (500 words) clearly labeled - this must demonstrate innovative approaches to research in a different field than that of the nominee's PhD (as required for eligibility)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Responses of 2-3 paragraphs each, identifying how the nominee demonstrates excellence in each of the six identified selection criteria.
- An ASU faculty review committee evaluates all nominations, and the scores are used to determine the TWO finalists that the ASU Graduate College may recommend to the foundation.
- The two ASU finalists and their programs will be notified of their status by May 15, 2026, and encouraged to work with ASU's Office of National Scholarship Advisement (ONSA) on the Foundation application.
The two ASU finalists will be contacted directly by the Schmidt Science Fellowship Program to complete the Foundation application process, which will include up to three progressive steps: preliminary information (May 2026), full application (by July 13, 2026), and selection interviews (January 2027).
Questions?
Contact: [email protected]