Schmidt Science Fellows Award at University of Toronto 2026

The Schmidt Science Fellows program is an initiative of Schmidt Sciences, delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust.

The Program’s mission is to change how science is done. Working with the scientific community, they want to help break down barriers to interdisciplinary science and accelerate positive impacts for global society. To help scientists solve bigger problems faster, they are identifying, developing, and amplifying the next generation of science leaders. Through the Fellowship, they are building a community of scientists and supporters of interdisciplinary science and leveraging this network to drive sector-wide change.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 26, 2026
• Value$110,000
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorUniversity of Toronto
• City to studyToronto
• School to studyUniversity of Toronto
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

Schmidt Fellows:

• Receive a personal stipend of US$110,000 per year for up to two years of postdoctoral study in a different area from their PhD, at any approved location worldwide.
• Build a global network through our Science Leadership Program, a bespoke professional development curriculum delivered across three week-long residential convenings and a rich set of virtual offerings.
• Benefit from personalized mentoring delivered by experienced international interdisciplinary science leaders to develop as scientific and societal thought leaders.
• Join a lifelong community of exemplary interdisciplinary scientists.
• Receive unique scientific freedom to pursue ambitious research goals, take risks, and have bold ideas.

Requirements

In order to be eligible for nomination and potential selection as a Schmidt Science Fellow, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Conducting their PhD degree in the natural sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences), engineering, mathematics, or computing – and all sub-disciplines therein at the University of Toronto. Individuals on clinical track MD-PhD or Veterinary-PhD programs are not eligible;
• Expect to have their final PhD thesis accepted by the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto between May 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027; and
  • Able to start their Fellowship in July 2027 or October 2027 (start dates are firm as the cohort starts together in either July or October) and available from April 2027 to July 2028 to attend virtual onboarding activities, and from October 2027 to attend in-person convenings: the Science Leadership Program and the annual Schmidt Science Fellows Interdisciplinary Science Summit.

Selection Process

The Program is seeking those individuals with a special degree of brilliance and inventiveness, who are interested in broadening their horizons and pursuing a challenging and rewarding period of study with the world’s leading academics and institutions. Schmidt Science Fellows are expected to be future leaders and should demonstrate a keen interest in harnessing interdisciplinarity and interaction with wider society to accelerate discovery to achieve global impact.

Applications for the Schmidt Science Fellows program will be judged against the following selection criteria:

Intellect

• Extraordinary Achievement – Clear record of academic achievement of the highest quality in the sciences and an extraordinary degree of intelligence.
• Scientific Curiosity – High degree of intellectual curiosity combined with energy and creativity; a record of continuous innovation and/or use of new technologies.

Programmatic Fit

• Alignment with the Program – Interest in pursuing 12-24 months of postdoctoral study in a field different from the applicant’s PhD discipline and a belief that interdisciplinary science and the taking of appropriate scientific risks are important for the advancement of discovery.
• Collaborative Spirit – History of effective collaboration with diverse team members.

Leadership

• Character and Leadership – Genuine and demonstrable potential for science leadership; displaying perseverance, resilience, a moral compass, and a galvanizing force of personality.
• Global Ambition for Social Good – Desire to use one’s personal talents and science to make a positive difference in society and the world.

To learn more about the kind of candidates Schmidt is are looking for, please visit their website to view Fellow profiles and the feature videos: Fellowship Research Placement and Who is a Schmidt Science Fellow?

Application Deadline

How To Apply

To apply, visit University of Toronto Scholarship webpage