Schmidt Science Fellows - Limited Opportunity

FUNDING MEMO

Title: Schmidt Science Fellows - Limited Opportunity - 7 Nominations

Funding Agency: Schmidt Science Fellows and Rhodes Trust

Internal Deadline: 08/28/2020 05:00 PM PDT

External Deadline(s):

09/30/2020 02:00 PM PDT (Pre-Proposal)
11/30/2020 02:00 PM PST (Full Proposal)

Cognizant Office: Office of Foundation Relations

Description:

The Schmidt Science Fellows, in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, seeks to create a new generation of scientific leaders. The program's vision is to give the world's best aspiring scientific minds a broader perspective, the ability to engage in an interdisciplinary way, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on society. Through a combination of workshops at some of the world's leading universities, individualized mentoring, and a special postdoctoral study in a field different from one's existing expertise, Fellows are given the tools necessary to solve the world's most pressing problems and advance scientific discovery.

Schmidt Science Fellows undertake a year-long postdoctoral placement, commencing after a Fellow successfully completes his or her PhD in the natural sciences, computing, engineering or mathematics. Placements will represent a significant disciplinary pivot from their PhD topic and the program will work with Fellows after selection to identify and secure a placement that will best achieve their scientific pivot. Individuals wishing to be considered for the Schmidt Science Fellows program must be nominated by a designated senior official at one of the nominating institutions.

Nominations should be sent by division chairs to the Office of the Provost at provost@caltech.edu .

Frequency: Typically annual

Total Award: $100,000

$100,000 stipend
The program features two components:
- Postdoctoral Research Year
  - Fellows are placed in a full-time, 11 to 14 month postdoctoral Fellowship in a laboratory anywhere in the world where they conduct research in a scientific field different from their PhD area
  - Additional study grant available for Fellows to extend their postdoctoral placement beyond the initial Fellowship year in exceptional circumstances
- Global Meeting Series:
  - Fellows are introduced to new research ideas, techniques, and questions; they are exposed to a wide range of cutting-edge science, leading thinkers, and institutions; and they receive tailored training in science communication, leadership, and the facilitation of interdisciplinary research
  - Held over 5 weeks throughout the fellowship year at various global locations (whether virtual or in person, as conditions allow)
  - Associated costs for the meeting series are reimbursed to the fellow

Indirect Costs:

Fellows receive the stipend directly, and thus may be subject to tax liability

Duration: 11 - 14 months

Discipline(s): Biology and Biological Engineering; Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Engineering and Applied Science; Geological and Planetary Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy

Eligibility: Grad Student, Postdoc

Nominees must have conducted their graduate degree in the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing – and all sub-disciplines therein
- This program is not open to students in the social sciences, but students in social science departments whose PhD work is in a field listed above may still be eligible
Nominees must have completed, or expect to complete, all of the requirements for the conferral of their PhD in one of these fields between 30 April 2020 and 30 September 2021
- It is possible to have already begun a post-doctoral position, but candidates will be expected to consider at least three options for potential placements during the Fellowship year, and the placement must represent a true interdisciplinary pivot from their PhD studies. Placements undertaken for Schmidt Science Fellows are subjected to discussion with, and approval by, program leadership
Nominees must be available for the entire period of the 2021 program, from July 2021 to July 2022 including attendance at each Global Meeting (whether virtual or in person, as conditions allow)
The following are key qualities in a successful applicant: scientific curiosity, extraordinary achievement, intellectual spark, global ambitions, character, collaborative spirit, use of innovative tools, and alignment with the program
MD-PhD and Veterinary-PhD candidates on clinical tracks are not eligible for consideration as a Schmidt Science Fellow at this time
Fellows cannot receive any personal stipend from another Fellowship scheme. They may be entitled to hold the title of Fellow from another scheme if that scheme allows such recognition without a monetary award
- Schmidt Science Fellows are able to receive grant funding for their research and are actively supported in applying for such funding during their Fellowship year. They are also allowed to hold minor awards (e.g., travel and equipment grants) during their Fellowship year
Note: once a fellowship is awarded, all placements are discussed and agreed with support and mentorship from the Schmidt Science Fellows Academic Council

Research Areas of Interest:

Natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing – and all sub-disciplines therein

Reporting Requirements:

Recent Caltech Recipients:

Ahmad Omar

Guidelines & Other Information:

Overview: https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/overview/

Selection Process and Eligibility: https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/selection/

Previous Fellows: https://schmidtsciencefellows.org/fellows/

Pre-Proposal Requirements:

This is a limited opportunity – Caltech may nominate up to seven candidates. Nominations should be sent by division chairs to the Office of the Provost at provost@caltech.edu by August 28, 2020 . Nominations should include the candidates’ names along with a brief description of their qualifications.

Please direct any questions in advance of nomination to Nelly Khidekel in the Office of Foundation Relations at nkhidekel@caltech.edu .

Please notify the Foundation Relations team if you anticipate making a submission or if you have any questions regarding this opportunity. We are here to help ensure that Caltech’s proposals are competitive. We can assist with proposal development and advise you on the routing of your paperwork. Interested researchers should work with their division grant manager to prepare the budget, the MORA form, and the Division Approval Form (DAF). Submissions and awards for this grant program will be processed through the Office of Foundation Relations.

Opportunity ID: 430