[pccgrads] Fwd: Schmidt Science Fellows Postdoctoral Fellowship in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

[Miriam Bertram via pccgrads]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Graduate School Academic Affairs <gsacad at uw.edu>
Date: Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Subject: Schmidt Science Fellows Postdoctoral Fellowship in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
To: Graduate School Academic Affairs <gsacad at uw.edu>


Dear Graduate Program Coordinators, Graduate Program Advisors, Directors,
Deans, and Faculty Colleagues,
I am writing to share an important opportunity for outstanding doctoral
students at the University of Washington and invite you to encourage
your students to apply.
The Schmidt Science Fellows program is a highly
competitive, international and postdoctoral fellowship program in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) who seek to advance their
research and develop their leadership skills
(*https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!gbMKr2Ass-9Q7khbfqFu9H9zF6uZ5ij7OgriUtRTz6xhGwmRZJ8zo5vbHMzl-jh2q4k-vFSWJCpHNg$>*
). The
program is particularly interested in
 applicants who demonstrate extraordinary achievement, scientific
curiosity, and potential for leadership. It is designed to prepare the next
generation of scientific leaders by providing Fellows with the time,
resources, mentorship, and global network needed to pursue bold new
directions in research with the potential for significant societal
impact. *Two key components of
this program are to support fellows as they pivot to a new research
focus, methodology or application of
their research and to facilitate interdisciplinary science. *
The University of Washington has been invited to nominate up to six
candidates for the 2027 Schmidt Science Fellows cohort. Office for Academic
Affairs will be managing an internal selection process to identify the 6
outstanding candidates to apply.
*About the Fellowship*
Schmidt Science Fellows complete up to 2 years of postdoctoral research in
a field distinct from their PhD training, supported by intensive leadership
development, mentorship, and participation in a global cohort of
interdisciplinary scholars.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review the following
resources:

   - *Schmidt Science Fellows – Information for Applicants
   <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/selection/for-applicants/__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!gbMKr2Ass-9Q7khbfqFu9H9zF6uZ5ij7OgriUtRTz6xhGwmRZJ8zo5vbHMzl-jh2q4k-vFSMxBq2_A$>*

   - *Short video on the fellowship mission and selection criteria (from
   the prior year)
   <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lkfYmPRdVY__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!gbMKr2Ass-9Q7khbfqFu9H9zF6uZ5ij7OgriUtRTz6xhGwmRZJ8zo5vbHMzl-jh2q4k-vFRsfBE4yA$>*



*Eligibility*
Applicants must:

   - Be completing a PhD in a STEM discipline (natural sciences,
   engineering, math, or computing)
   - Expect to complete all PhD requirements *between May 1, 2026 and June
   30, 2027*
   - Propose a postdoctoral research project that represents a clear pivot
   from their PhD research


*UW Internal Application Packet*
Students seeking a UW nomination must submit *one combined PDF* containing the
following materials:

   1. Letter of support from a UW faculty member
   2. Documentation confirming the student is in good standing in their
   graduate program
   3. Two-page personal statement, including the proposed idea for the
   postdoctoral research project as a potential Schmidt Science Fellow
   4. Curriculum vitae (CV)


The proposed postdoctoral research project should be clearly aligned with
the mission of the Schmidt Science Fellows program, including:

   - A substantive pivot from the applicant’s PhD research area
   - The potential impact of the research
   - A strong commitment to interdisciplinary work
   - Evidence of leadership potential or prior leadership experience


Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Schmidt Science Fellows
website carefully before drafting their personal statement, as alignment
with the program’s goals is central to the selection process.
*Submission Instructions and UW Timeline*

   - *UW internal application deadline: March 27, 2026 at 12:00 pm/PST*
   - Applications should be uploaded on the following form:

*Schmidt Science Fellows Application  – UW Submission
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://forms.office.com/r/qg848u9FRi__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!gbMKr2Ass-9Q7khbfqFu9H9zF6uZ5ij7OgriUtRTz6xhGwmRZJ8zo5vbHMzl-jh2q4k-vFSWJTaWIA$>*


Following internal review, the University of Washington will select up to
six nominees to advance to the full application stage. UW nominees will be
notified in early May 2026, with the full application to the Schmidt
Science Fellows Program due in July 2026. If selected as one of the 6
nominees, Schmidt will send a direct email to the student with instructions
for submitting the full application.
This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for our most
innovative doctoral students—particularly those eager to cross disciplinary
boundaries and pursue research that can shape the future of science and
society. I appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity widely and
encouraging eligible students to apply.
With best regards,
*Mayumi A. Willgerodt PhD, MPH/MS, RN, FAAN, FNASN *
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
The Graduate School
University of Washington

Mary S. Tschudin Endowed Professor in Nursing Education
University of Washington School of Nursing
Health Sciences Building | Box 357262 | 1959 NE Pacific Street | Seattle,
WA 98195-7262
*mayumiw at uw.edu <mayumiw at uw.edu>*


*While I may send emails outside of regular office hours, I do not expect
you to!  Please respond when it is appropriate for you.*

Editor, The Journal of School Nursing
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