Purdue has been selected by the Schmidt Science Foundation to submit up to four nominees for the prestigious Schmidt Science Fellowship which funds interdisciplinary postdoctoral research experiences. Last year, two of our four nominees were selected as finalists!

**Deadline to request your nomination: Wednesday, April 2 at 12 PM (noon) ET**

What does the fellowship provide?

• A personal stipend of US$110,000 per year for up to two years of postdoctoral study in a different area from your PhD, at any approved location worldwide.
• Scientific freedom to pursue ambitious research goals, take risks, and have bold ideas.
• Personalized mentoring to help develop as scientific and societal thought leaders.
• A bespoke professional development curriculum delivered across three week-long residential convenings and a rich set of virtual offerings through our Science Leadership Program.
• A lifelong fellowship community with continued support, interaction, and collaboration opportunities. This stimulating and caring fellowship community is at the heart of the Schmidt Science

Who is eligible?

• You must be studying for a PhD in natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, Computing – or any of the sub-disciplines. Individuals on clinical track MD-PhD or Veterinary-PhD programs are not eligible.
• You must expect to complete all requirements for the conferral of your PhD between May 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026 and be able to start your Fellowship in July 2026 or October 2026.
• You must be nominated by Purdue University.

How different should my proposed postdoc research be from my PhD research?

• Your project should NOT be a continuation of your PhD research or an incremental progression. The fellowship website states: “We expect your Fellowship Research Proposal to represent a genuine and ambitious change of focus from your PhD studies, with a clear and positive rationale for the change in direction you are proposing. In all cases, you should make a clear case for the genuine development of new skills and widening of perspectives and networks. If the new area is very far removed from your previous research experience, you should take care to evidence your investigation of both the novelty and feasibility of the proposed research. “
• Proposals requiring candidates to immerse themselves fully in a new discipline from their current expertise and to address different or broader questions than those posed during their PhD are aligned most closely with the program and will be valued most highly. Proposals with less ambitious changes in discipline and application will be considered but valued less highly.
• Proposed pivots must be to the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing or any sub-disciplines of these subjects.
• Additional guidance on the interdisciplinary pivot is available at the Schmidt Fellows website.

How can I learn more about the program?

• Visit the fellowship website here: Who Can Apply • Schmidt Science Fellows
• Schmidt will provide online Q&A sessions for potential nominees to learn more about application requirements in April; we will email all applicants with a registration link once it becomes available—just make sure your name and email fields are completed in the online application.

How do I apply to be a Purdue Nominee?

1. Open the following online application: https://redcap.link/schmidt25

Note: Open this right away; there is information you need ASAP! You are able to save, return, and modify your application until the due date of 4/2/25 at 12PM

2. Download two forms within this application and deliver to the appropriate people. Completed forms need to be sent to our office by the deadline.

a. One to secure a faculty reviewer for the Review Panel

b. One to help your main advisor write your letter of recommendation

3. Within this online application, upload as a single PDF in this order:

a. Your CV (no page limit)

b. 1 - 2 page research proposal for the project to be conducted during the 1 - 2 years as a Schmidt Science Fellow working in a field different from your current field

When will I learn if I am selected to apply to the fellowship?

• Nominees will be notified by OGSPS on April 30, 2025

If I am nominated to apply, what then?

• You will need to confirm acceptance of your nomination with Purdue by May 2, 2025.
• You are required to provide additional documents for the full application before July 14, 2025, including: CV, personal statement, 5 letters of recommendation, transcripts, publication list, and three potential options for placement in a research group (subject to change year to year).
• Guidance for completing these additional documents will be provided by Trainee Funding Support in OGSPS!

Questions or requests for support with your nomination application can be sent to OGSPS, Trainee Funding Support at trainee-funding@purdue.edu