$1 billion initiative supports researchers from 40 countries who are leaders in interdisciplinary science: scientists receive funding from Eric and Wendy Schmidt

Thirty-two early career researchers, tackling issues from improving food security to developing better medical implants, were awarded up to two years of grant funding to pursue innovative interdisciplinary science, Schmidt Science Fellows announced.

Now in its eighth year, the fellowship, a program of Schmidt Sciences, provides financial support for a one—to two-year postdoctoral placement at a world-class research institution.

The funding equips scientists to apply their knowledge to a new field of study, with the goal of accelerating discoveries.

“Philanthropic funding of scientific research, especially support of early-career researchers, has never been more important,” said Wendy Schmidt, who co-founded Schmidt Sciences with her husband, Eric.

“By providing Schmidt Science Fellows with support, community, and freedom to work across disciplines and gain new insights, we hope they’ll tackle some of the world’s most vexing challenges, achieve breakthroughs, and help create a healthier, more resilient world for all.”

The 2025 fellows represent 15 nationalities, including researchers from Jordan and United Arab Emirates for the first time in the program’s history.

This year’s cohort will work on various problems from cancer treatment to quantum technologies to sustainability.

For example, Zhaoquan Wang (nominated by Cornell University) will pivot from immunology to evolutionary biology and explore advanced cognitive and regenerative capabilities of the octopus, pioneering cutting-edge biomedical research.

Noora Almarri (nominated by University College London) will switch from electrical engineering to biomaterials, aiming to develop smart artificial blood vessels that enhance regrowth and provide real-time health monitoring.

They join a community of 209 fellows from nearly 40 countries who are leaders in interdisciplinary science.

“Our fellows represent the next generation of visionary research leaders,” said Megan Kenna, executive director of Schmidt Science Fellows. “Through their work, they will break down barriers, drive interdisciplinary breakthroughs, and push the frontiers of human knowledge. Our fellowship is designed to empower their growth—now and in the years ahead. Through tailored training, mentorship, and a dynamic community, we provide the support and environment they need to realize their full potential and make a lasting impact.”

Each year, Schmidt Science Fellows partners with more than 100 universities to identify candidates for the fellowship. Nominees are selected via an application process that includes an academic review with panels of experts in their original disciplines and final interviews with a multidisciplinary panel of scientists and private sector leaders. Established in 2017, the program is delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust.

“The Schmidt Science Fellows Program is cultivating a dynamic global community of remarkable scientists and champions of interdisciplinary research,” said Stu Feldman, chief scientist at Schmidt Sciences. “Their work exemplifies Schmidt Sciences’ commitment to supporting pioneering approaches that will drive the next era of discovery and innovation.”

The 2025 Schmidt Science Fellows represent 27 nominating universities, including, for the first time, McGill University in Canada, RWTH Aachen University in Germany, Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. In addition to their research placement, fellows participate in a 12-month interdisciplinary science leadership program.

As part of its broader mission of supporting interdisciplinary science, Schmidt Science Fellows partnered with Times Higher Education to create the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings. This ranking identifies and promotes best practices from institutions prioritizing cross-disciplinary research. The inaugural edition was released in November 2024, and this year’s list will be shared in fall 2025.

Schmidt Science Fellows is a Schmidt Sciences initiative delivered with the Rhodes Trust.

Working with the scientific community, the organization breaks down barriers to interdisciplinary science and accelerates positive impacts for global society.

It helps scientists solve more significant problems faster by identifying, developing, and amplifying the next generation of science leaders, building a community of scientists and supporters of interdisciplinary science, and leveraging this network to drive sector-wide change.

Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet.

The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact, including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space. It also supports researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.

Eric and Wendy Schmidt have committed $1 billion to fund Schmidt Futures, their philanthropic initiative to support global talent and innovative projects.

The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately $400 million and funds diverse science, technology, and societal development programs.

Schmidt Futures aims to expand its philanthropic efforts, focusing on new leadership structures and innovative projects.