University Of British Columbia 2024 Fully Funded Schmidt Science Fellows program, Canada

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.

• Table of Content
• About University Of British Columbia
• UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program
• Aim and Benefits of UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program
• Requirements for UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University Of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and recently recognized as North America’s most international university. Since 1915, our motto, Tuum Est (It is Yours), has been a declaration of our commitment to attracting and supporting those who have the drive to shape a better world. As a result, UBC students, faculty and staff continue to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo, placing us at the forefront of discovery, learning and engagement. UBC encourages... continue reading

UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program

Aim and Benefits of UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program

The University of British Columbia Schmidt Science Fellowships provide several financial benefits to support the fellows during their postdoctoral study and professional development:

Stipend: Each fellow receives a generous stipend of $100,000. This stipend is designed to provide financial support throughout their full-time, postdoctoral study, which typically lasts for a minimum of one year. The stipend enables fellows to focus on their research and further their scientific careers.

Postdoctoral Study: The fellowship offers fellows the unique opportunity to undertake their postdoctoral study in a world-leading laboratory. Importantly, fellows have the freedom to choose a field of study that is distinct from their existing area of expertise. This interdisciplinary approach allows fellows to broaden their knowledge, explore new scientific frontiers, and make impactful contributions to their chosen field.

Residential Meetings: Fellows participate in a series of four residential meetings that are conducted worldwide during their fellowship year. These meetings span five weeks each and serve as intensive training sessions. Tailored to the specific needs of the fellows, these gatherings provide comprehensive training to nurture their skills and cultivate them into the next generation of scientific leaders. The residential meetings foster collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and networking opportunities among fellows and renowned experts in various scientific disciplines.

Requirements for UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program Qualification

To be considered for nomination and potential selection as a Schmidt Science Fellow, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

Completion of UBC Ph.D.: Candidates must have completed or expect to complete all requirements for the conferral of their UBC Ph.D., including a successful defense, between 1 June 2023 and 30 July 2024. Please note that prospective UBC students are not eligible for nomination.

Graduate Degree in Relevant Fields: Candidates must have pursued their graduate degree in the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing, including all sub-disciplines within these fields.

Availability for the Program: Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the 2024 program, which spans from July 2024 to September 2025. This includes attending the Global Meeting Series, whether virtual or in person, as conditions permit, along with additional virtual programming.

The Schmidt Science Fellows program is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. Applications from individuals are strongly 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.

Interview date, Process and Venue for UBC Schmidt Science Fellows program

Refer to the Schmidt Science Fellows webpage for the complete evaluation criteria.

Below is additional insight into what the Schmidt Science Fellows program is looking for:

• The program is looking for the brightest minds in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computing who are interested in broadening their horizons, pivoting away from their PhD research area and pursuing a challenging and rewarding period of study in an alternative discipline with world-leading scientists
• Schmidt Science Fellows are encouraged and supported to take an ambitious scientific risk when considering their postdoctoral placement. Their proposed research pivot should represent a genuine and innovative disciplinary departure from their 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. 
• Research placements are not restricted to any group of institutions. Schmidt Science Fellows may choose to complete their Fellowship at a laboratory of their choice, subject to program approval and assurance that the host organization meets the Fellows individual training and research needs. This is a unique opportunity to study in a world-class lab anywhere in the world and candidates are encouraged to consider the unique freedom, flexibility, and global outlook this opportunity provides.
• Schmidt Science Fellows are expected to become science leaders and should demonstrate a keen interest in harnessing interdisciplinarity and interacting with wider society. Candidates must possess the drive to tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems and the personality to lead, inspire, and galvanize cross-disciplinary collaborations to accelerate discovery leading to impactful solutions.

Application Deadline

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:

• CV, including publications (maximum three pages)
• A brief description of your PhD research (maximum one page)
• Personal Statement (maximum one page):
  • 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)
• Fellowship Research Proposal (maximum two pages), addressing the following points:
  • 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.
    • 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., demonstrated history of effective collaboration with diverse team members.
• Options for placement (maximum one page):
  • Three short outlines of potential labs in which you may carry out this research.
    • Note that you do not have to contact the labs or secure a position at this time.
    • The options you present are not final and binding
• One letter of support (maximum 2 pages).  The letter should be signed and on letterhead (where possible).  The letter should address the evaluation criteria. 
  • 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 website.