Schmidt Science Polymaths
Funds senior scholars entering new scientific fields with multi-year exploratory research grants.
The Schmidt Science Polymaths program empowers intensely creative mid-career researchers to make adventurous leaps into new research domains. Awards are $500,000 per year for up to five years — up to $2.5M total — flowing through the researcher's institution with no indirect costs taken from the award. The program targets recently-tenured faculty (within 3 calendar years) in math, computer science, natural sciences, or engineering with a track record of publishing across multiple fields. The 2026 cycle closed before the fetch date; the 2027 cycle is actively collecting nominations at host institutions (confirmed May 2026). Selection rate is under 10%.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.