Schmidt Science Fellowships 2026 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

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.

The program is looking 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 making a lasting difference in the world. Fellows should have a collaborative spirit with the experience and desire to work with diverse teams and across scientific disciplines.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: Likely May 2026
2. Value: $100,000 USD per year
3. Study Level: Doctoral / Postdoctoral
4. Sponsor: University of British Columbia
5. Course to Study: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics & Computing (interdisciplinary pivot)
6. Eligible Country: All countries

Eligibility Criteria for Schmidt Science Fellowships 2026 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

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

1. Must have completed, or expect to complete, all the requirements for the conferral of their UBC PhD, including a successful defense, between May 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Please note that prospective UBC students are not eligible for nomination.
2. Have conducted their graduate degree in the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing – and all sub-disciplines therein
3. Be available for the entire period of the 2026 program, from July 2026 to September 2027 including attendance of the Global Meeting Series (whether virtual or in person, as conditions allow, and including additional virtual programming).

The Schmidt Science Fellows program is committed to equality of opportunity for all candidates. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status marital or civil partner status, race, color, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.

Refer to the Schmidt Science Fellows webpage for eligibility FAQs.

Benefits of Schmidt Science Fellowships 2026 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Fellows receive a stipend of $100,000 USD per year and are supported to pursue a one to two year postdoctoral placement at a world-leading laboratory anywhere in the world in a disciplinary pivot from their PhD. Fellows also benefit from a Global Meeting Series and personalized mentoring program. UBC is one of select group of the world’s leading science and engineering institutions that are invited to nominate students to the international competition. In 2024, 32 Schmidt Science Fellows were selected to be recipients globally.

How to Apply

Schmidt Science Fellowships applicants must submit their application materials to their UBC graduate program. Applicants should check with their UBC graduate program to find out their internal application deadline.

A complete application will consist of the following:

1. CV, including publications (maximum three pages)
2. A brief description of your PhD research (maximum one page)
3. Personal Statement (maximum one page):
4. Description of your leadership qualities, addressing the following two points: (a) character and leadership (genuine and demonstrable potential for science leadership; displaying perseverance, resilience, a moral compass, and a galvanizing force of personality) and (b) global ambition for social good (desire to use your personal talents and science to make a positive difference in society and the world)
5. Fellowship Research Proposal (maximum two pages), addressing the following points:
6. Description of your proposed postdoctoral research direction that represents a genuine, ambitious, and innovative disciplinary departure from your PhD studies, with a clear goal towards gaining new skills in a new area and establishing field-leading interdisciplinary lines of research with potential for high reward and societal impact.
7. When writing your proposal, please include the following two points: (a) alignment with the Schmidt Science Fellows program (i.e., interest in pursuing 12-24 months of postdoctoral study in a field different from your PhD discipline and a belief that interdisciplinary science and the taking of appropriate scientific risks are important for the advancement of discovery) and (b) collaborative spirit (i.e., a demonstrated history of effective collaboration with diverse team members).
8. Options for placement (maximum one page):
9. Three short outlines of potential labs in which you may carry out this research.
10. Note that you do not have to contact the labs or secure a position at this time.
11. The options you present are not final and binding
12. One letter of support (maximum 2 pages). The letter should be signed and on letterhead (where possible). The letter should address the evaluation criteria.
13. The referee should be able to speak convincingly to your future potential, not just your current abilities.

Successful UBC nominees will be invited by the Schmidt Science Fellows program to submit a full application in June.

Presentation standards of documents: 10 point Arial font, or equivalent.

For more details, visit UBC Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

May 30, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Schmidt Science Fellowships 2026 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship