Schmidt Science Fellowship Program in University of British Columbia, Canada

The Schmidt Science Fellows Program 2024 is an exceptional opportunity for emerging scientists who are committed to making a lasting difference in the world. This prestigious program aims to provide the world’s best scientists in natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computing with new skills and perspectives to develop novel solutions to society’s challenges. It offers a platform for these talented individuals to become scientific and societal thought leaders while accelerating groundbreaking discoveries. In this article, we will explore the Schmidt Science Fellowship program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, including its eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, application procedure, and the benefits it offers to fellows.

Introduction to the Schmidt Science Fellows Program 2024

The Schmidt Science Fellows program is a global initiative that seeks to identify and support exceptional young scientists who have completed their PhD studies. It aims to broaden their horizons by encouraging a disciplinary pivot from their previous research and providing them with opportunities to work in world-leading laboratories across various disciplines. The program offers a unique combination of financial support, mentorship, and global networking to facilitate transformative research experiences and enable fellows to become leaders in their respective fields.

Eligibility Requirements

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

  • Completion of all the requirements for the conferral of their UBC PhD, including a successful defense, between 1 June 2023 and 30 July 2024.
  • 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 entire period of the 2024 program, from July 2024 to September 2025, including attendance at the Global Meeting Series.
  • Commitment to equality of opportunity, 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.

Evaluation Criteria

The Schmidt Science Fellows program 2024 is looking for candidates who possess exceptional qualities and demonstrate a genuine passion for science, interdisciplinary research, and societal impact. The evaluation criteria include:

  • Brightest minds in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computing who are interested in broadening their horizons and pursuing a challenging and rewarding period of study in an alternative discipline.
  • Willingness to take an ambitious scientific risk by pivoting away from their PhD research area and exploring new interdisciplinary lines of research with high potential for societal impact.
  • Interest in becoming a science leader and driving cross-disciplinary collaborations to accelerate discovery and find impactful solutions to global problems.

Application Procedure

Applicants for the Schmidt Science Fellows Program 2024 must submit their application materials to their UBC graduate program. It is essential to check with the UBC graduate program for the internal application deadline. A complete application will consist of the following components:

Apply Here for the Schmidt Science Fellows Program 2024

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a maximum of three pages, including publications.
  • Brief description of the applicant’s PhD research, limited to one page.
  • Personal Statement with a maximum of one page, addressing leadership qualities and global ambition for social good.
  • Fellowship Research Proposal, up to two pages, outlining a disciplinary departure from the PhD studies and the applicant’s proposed research direction.
  • Options for placement, a maximum of one page, presenting three potential labs for carrying out the research.
  • One letter of support, a maximum of two pages, addressing the evaluation criteria and signed on letterhead.

Benefits of the Schmidt Science Fellowship

Selected Schmidt Science Fellows receive numerous benefits during their fellowship period, including:

  • Stipend of $100,000 USD per year to support their research and living expenses.
  • One to two-year postdoctoral placement at a world-leading laboratory anywhere in the world, enabling fellows to gain new skills and explore innovative research directions.
  • Participation in the Global Meeting Series, providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking with distinguished scientists and thought leaders.
  • Personalized mentoring program to guide fellows in their scientific and leadership development.
  • Opportunity to become part of a global network of Schmidt Science Fellows and alumni, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and lifelong connections.

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FAQs

  1. How long is the duration of the Schmidt Science Fellowship program?

    The program runs from July 2024 to September 2025, offering a one to two-year postdoctoral placement at a world-leading laboratory.

  2. Can international students apply for the Schmidt Science Fellowship program at UBC?

    Yes, international students are eligible to apply for the program, along with Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

  3. Is there any financial support provided to Schmidt Science Fellows?

    Yes, fellows receive a stipend of $100,000 USD per year to support their research and living expenses during the fellowship period.

  4. Can applicants from all scientific disciplines apply for the fellowship?

    The program encourages applications from candidates with backgrounds in the natural sciences (including Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, and Computing, as well as their sub-disciplines.

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