Prestigious Schmidt Science Fellowships at the University of British Columbia, Canada 2027

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is inviting applications for the prestigious Schmidt Science Fellowships for the 2027 academic year. This highly competitive program welcomes both domestic and international students who demonstrate exceptional promise as future scientific leaders. Recognized globally among the top 100 universities, UBC plays a pivotal role in nominating outstanding candidates for this distinguished fellowship. The Schmidt Science Fellowships are specifically designed to identify and cultivate brilliant minds across critical scientific disciplines, including computer science, natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The program's core mission is to foster a new generation of scientific leaders capable of addressing complex interdisciplinary challenges and creating a profound, lasting impact on global society. Fellows will embark on a transformative year of postdoctoral study, engaging in cutting-edge research within a field distinctly different from their doctoral expertise. This unique interdisciplinary approach is further enhanced by participation in international workshops and personalized mentoring sessions, all aimed at deepening their understanding of scientific discovery and strengthening their leadership capabilities. The initiative emphasizes broadening scientific horizons and encouraging innovative thinking across traditional disciplinary boundaries, preparing fellows to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science for the benefit of humanity.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or international candidates.

• Candidates must hold a graduate degree or be expected to complete a PhD in Computing, Engineering, or Natural Sciences (e.g., Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Biology including Neurobiology).

• The PhD must have been completed or is anticipated to be completed between May 15, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Crucially, the PhD must have been obtained from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

• Applicants must be fully available for the entire program duration, from July 2027 to September 2028, including mandatory Global Meetings.

• Evaluation considers: Extraordinary Achievement (strong academic record), Program Alignment (commitment to interdisciplinary postdoctoral study), Scientific Curiosity (desire for broad research exposure), Intellectual Spark (high intelligence for discoveries), Global Ambitions (aspiration for societal impact), Character (interest in global challenges), Collaborative Spirit (effective teamwork), and Innovative Tools Use (comfort with modern data science).

Financial Benefits

The Schmidt Science Fellows program provides comprehensive financial support. Successful fellows receive a generous stipend of $110,000 per year. This funding supports a full-time, postdoctoral study for a minimum of one year in a world-leading laboratory. A key requirement is that this postdoctoral research must be in a scientific field different from the fellow's existing area of expertise, fostering true interdisciplinary growth. In addition to the stipend, fellows participate in five weeks of intensive residential meetings held at various international locations throughout their fellowship year. These global meetings offer bespoke training designed to equip them with essential skills and insights to become influential science leaders, enhancing their research capabilities and global network.