Schmidt Science Polymath Award (Schmidt Science Polymaths)

About this program

Schmidt Sciences’ Schmidt Science Polymaths program provides selective funding to empower intensely creative, mid‑career academic researchers to make adventurous, cross‑disciplinary leaps, experiment with new methodologies, and pursue high‑impact scientific breakthroughs. Eligible nominees must have received tenure or an equivalent permanent position within the past three calendar years, have an outstanding record in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and/or engineering, and a demonstrated history of publishing across multiple fields plus a clear need for flexible funding to enable new research directions. Applications are by invitation only: nominations are solicited from a select group of leading institutions and targeted scientific leaders, and invited applicants submit a CV, description of prospective projects, and references; review is highly selective (fewer than 10% selected). Nominations are typically gathered from June to mid‑August, invited applications are due in October, and final decisions are shared in April.