Schmidt Science Polymath
| Schmidt Science Polymath Program | |
|---|---|
| Awarded for | Interdisciplinary scientific research by early- to mid-career tenured scientists |
| Sponsored by | Schmidt Sciences |
| Location | United States |
| Presented by | Eric and Wendy Schmidt |
| Reward(s) | $500,000 annually, up to five years (total up to $2.5 million) |
| First award | 2021 |
| Website | Schmidt Science Polymath Program |
The Schmidt Science Polymath Program is a philanthropic initiative established in 2021 by Schmidt Sciences, an organization founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt. The program supports early- to mid-career scientists who have recently achieved tenure and demonstrate exceptional creativity and a desire to explore new, interdisciplinary research areas. Each awardee receives $500,000 annually for up to five years, totaling up to $2.5 million, to enable high-risk, high-reward research endeavors that may not receive traditional funding.[1]
Overview
The Schmidt Science Polymath Program empowers scientists to pursue ambitious projects that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. By offering flexible, substantial funding, the program encourages recipients to explore novel ideas and methodologies, fostering innovation and scientific breakthroughs.[1]
Eligibility and Selection
Candidates must have recently achieved tenure (within the last three years) or hold equivalent positions. Eligible applicants are expected to have a strong track record of accomplishments in disciplines such as mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, or engineering. A demonstrated history of publishing in more than one field is required.
Applications are by invitation only, and nominations are solicited from select institutions and scientific leaders. The program is highly competitive, with fewer than 10% of nominees receiving the award.[1]
Award Details
Each Polymath receives $500,000 per year for up to five years, provided through their home institution. The funding supports research teams, including students and postdoctoral scholars, and is intended to facilitate exploration of new research directions rather than continuing existing work.[1]
Notable Recipients
2024 Cohort
- Ashleigh Theberge – University of Washington. Tailored drug treatments using remote specimen collection and AI.
- Lawrence David – Duke University. Genomics for healthier, more sustainable diets and food systems.
- Neil Dasgupta – University of Michigan. Carbon dioxide recycling for climate solutions.
- Orit Peleg – University of Colorado Boulder. Animal communication and group cognition.
- Sam Gershman – Harvard University. Intelligence in single-celled organisms and AI insights.
- Stephanie Palmer – University of Chicago. Neural and biochemical networks and evolution.
2023 Cohort
- Markita del Carpio Landry – University of California, Berkeley. Nanotechnologies for neurotransmitter imaging.
- Jörn Dunkel – MIT. Self-organization in complex biological and physical systems.
- Surya Ganguli – Stanford University. Neural networks and machine learning.
- Sara Imari Walker – Arizona State University. Origins of life and life detection.
- Pincelli M. Hull – Yale University. Evolutionary impact of environmental change in the fossil record.
- Naomi Nakayama – University of Edinburgh. Mechanics and genetics of plant development.
- David Soloveichik – University of Texas at Austin. Molecular programming and synthetic biochemical systems.
- Wil Srubar – University of Colorado Boulder. Bio-inspired sustainable construction materials.
- Christopher Trisos – University of Cape Town. Climate and biodiversity risk analysis in Africa.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "Schmidt Science Polymaths". Schmidt Sciences.
- ^ "Schmidt Sciences Polymath Program Awards $2.5M Grants to Six Pioneering Researchers". SynBioBeta.
- ^ "MIT mathematician receives Schmidt Science Polymath award". MIT News.