ELIGIBILITY:

The program addresses outstanding doctoral researchers who combine keen scientific curiosity with the capability of cooperation, wish to make a major contribution to science and society by their work, and are ready to focus on a discipline that is different from their existing area of expertise during the funding period.

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.

The doctorate should be completed between May 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

The program addresses outstanding doctoral researchers who combine keen scientific curiosity with the capability of cooperation,  wish to make a major contribution to science and the society by their work, and are ready to focus on a discipline that is different from their existing area of expertise during the funding period.

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.

The doctorate should be completed between May 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.Scientists of KIT who supervise doctoral candidates are requested to propose qualified candidates to the International Affairs Business Unit by April 24, 2026 (Contact Person: Oliver Kaas)

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

Be able to start their fellowship in July 2027 or October 2027 and available from April 2027 to July 2028 to attend onboarding activities, the in-person Science Leadership Program convenings, and the annual Schmidt Science Fellows Interdisciplinary Science Summit

Graduate degree in the natural sciences, Engineering, Mathematics or Computing with a commitment to interdisciplinary science

The program addresses outstanding doctoral candidates from selected institutions who combine a strong scientific curiosity with the ability to collaborate and who are willing to work in a scientific field outside their previous research activities during the funding period.

Have completed or expect to complete all of the requirements for the conferral of their doctorate in one of these fields between May 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027

KIT can submit up to seven nominations in this call.

BENEFIT:

Stipend of US $110,000 per year  (for up to two years, a total of up to $220,000 of support during their fellowship) for research

Participation in leadership and innovation trainings at a self-chosen leading academic institution worldwide