Funding Opportunities: Graduate Students & Post-Doctoral Fellows

Welcome to the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Trainee Funding Opportunity Index. LDFP trainees may qualify for several funding and fellowship opportunities. Please ensure that you review the guidelines for each opportunity and discuss the funding opportunity with your supervisor. Feel free to reach out to the research office for additional questions (Mike Folinas, Sam D’Alfonso, or Lia Cardarelli)

Search Pivot Funding Opportunities Database

Search for various funding opportunities by entering a search term into the Pivot search widget below. Please note this will open up a new tab and may require a login or the creation of an account.

Enter your search terms:

You can take full advantage of all the features Pivot has to offer. Register for an account to make searching for new and updated funding opportunities easier; you can even set up weekly email notifications that are based on your profile to ensure you do not miss any relevant opportunities.

Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows

Award Explorer

Are you interested in awards at the University of Toronto? Whether you’re thinking of coming to U of T – or you are a current student pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies – this tool can help you explore the diverse funding opportunities that recognize your achievements and financially support your studies.

The graduate and Postdoctoral Awards databases are available here.

Canadian Cancer Society - Research Training Awards

The Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) Research Training Awards program aims to support growth and innovation in the next generation of diverse cancer researchers across Canada at the master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. This program seeks to build inclusive capacity in all areas of cancer research, while fostering interdisciplinary learning, knowledge translation, mentorship, and patient & community* engagement opportunities. By supporting a diverse pool of talented researchers, the program will contribute to reshaping cancer research to be more equitable, inclusive, and impactful.

This program was co-developed and revised with guidance from CCS advisors, including Black and Indigenous community members, and is continuously reviewed to monitor and improve its impact.

Institutional racism and colonialism have disproportionately impacted First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Black people, having a significant impact on cancer research and care. Furthermore, too few studies are being conducted by or in partnership with these communities. Engaging Indigenous and Black researchers is crucial for addressing these gaps and contributing to collective action toward health equity and research excellence. Recognizing that marginalized groups face structural and systemic barriers to inclusion and are underrepresented in the field of cancer research, CCS specifically invites Black and Indigenous trainees to submit applications for the 2025 competition in order to positively alter the research landscape.

This special mandate is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action , CCS’s commitment to Advancing Health Equity Through Cancer Information and Support Services, and the overarching goal of the Research Training Awards program to develop initiatives that improve support for research trainees. The mandate aims to address current gaps in health outcomes, training, and treatments for Black and Indigenous communities, and to empower the next generation of researchers who are at the forefront of cancer research excellence through collective action.

Eligibility, Application and Evaluation Criteria

Please review the eligibility and requirements, application guide, tip sheets, and rating scales. The guide includes further information on formatting, as well as a step-by-step guide for navigating the application portal.

Funding

Funding will be available according to the following funding table (maximum amounts described):

Training level - Master's
Amount	$30,000/year
Training budget	$2,500/year of master’s requested
Duration	Up to 2 years
Training level - PhD transfers
Amount	An additional $30,000 can be requested for applicants continuing in a PhD program (see website for more details)
Training budget	No additional training budget awarded after the PhD transition
Duration	1 additional year (only supports the first year of PhD)

Important Dates

Program launch date:	November 25, 2024
EGrAMS launch date:	December 11, 2024
Informational Webinar #1 (webinar information and sign-up below)	Jan. 7, 2025 (2:00 - 3:00 PM EST)
Abstract due (mandatory for all applicants):	Feb. 19, 2025 (5:00 PM EST)
Informational Webinar #2 (for applicants only):	Feb. 25, 2025 (2:00 - 3:00 PM EST)
Full application due date:	April 16, 2025 (5:00 PM EST)
Results announcement:	Early August 2025
Anticipated start date:	September 1, 2025

Additional Information

Please visit the Canadian Cancer Society website for more information.

Cancer Research Society - 2025 Next Generation of Scientists Awards

The Next Generation of Scientists Award is an innovative two-pronged grant that aims to support the most promising postdoctoral fellows in becoming the next generation of cancer researchers in Canada.

The program includes a one-year postdoctoral salary award (part 1), to enable postdoctoral fellows to obtain a research position at an eligible Canadian institution. Once this position is obtained, the candidate will be offered a 2-year Operating Grant (part 2).

This exceptional program supports postdoctoral fellows in transitioning to independent researcher positions with $185,000 in funding over three years to establish their own laboratories, build teams, and advance cancer research in Canada.

Exciting News! This year, CRS is proud to announce a partnership with Ovarian Cancer Canada to co-fund up to two (2) innovative ovarian cancer projects aimed at driving groundbreaking research and progress in the field.

Key Details

Application Deadline: April 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
Application Process: Applicants must register and submit their applications exclusively through the CRS Research Portal, ProposalCentral
More Information: Consult the Program Guidelines on our website.

Eligibility

Part 1: Postdoctoral fellowship
Must have completed at least 2 years of postdoctoral training at the time of accepting the fellowship.

Part 2: Operating Grant
Must obtain a faculty position in a Canadian university or affiliated accredited research center.

Budget

Part 1: Postdoctoral fellowship
$50,000 over 1 year

Part 2: Operating Grant
$135,000 over 2 years

Application Process

Applicants must submit a full application, which will be evaluated by a peer review committee. Forms and guidelines are available here.

Cancer Research Society - Doctoral Research Awards

The Cancer Research Society (CRS) is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Doctoral Research Awards Competition. This program provides $70,000 in funding over two years, supporting doctoral students as they advance groundbreaking cancer research across Canada.

In 2024, CRS set a new record by awarding 40 Doctoral Research Awards, selected from 190 applications nationwide. These doctoral students, conducting innovative research, exemplify excellence in the field and are helping to push the boundaries of cancer science.

Thank You to Our Partners! We are pleased to continue our collaboration with like-minded partners who share our vision for advancing cancer research by supporting the training of future experts in the field. This year, projects will be co-funded in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research -Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR), Ovarian Cancer Canada, Brain Canada, and RBC Royal Bank.

Eligible Projects:

The following cancer research areas are eligible:

Fundamental and basic research;
Early translational research, including preclinical research, i.e. before a treatment is brought to a patient, including, for example, cellular or animal models, biomarkers for diagnostics and prognosis, and imaging;
Research studying the environmental causes of cancer including viruses, pollutants, work environment, lifestyle and diet

Value and Duration:

The Doctoral Research Award (DRA) provides funding of $35,000 per year for a maximum of 2 years, totaling $70,000. Doctoral Research Awards are non-renewable.

Eligibility:

The eligibility requirements include:

Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid student permit and must be residing in Canada for the entire period of the award. Proof of status is required.
Must have completed at least 12 months of full-time study but no more than 36 months* in a Canadian university doctoral program on September 1st
The training MUST be carried out in a Canadian university or eligible Canadian research institution.

Application Proces:

Applicants must register and submit their application before 11:59PM ET on April 29, 2025 using the online grant management system, CRS Research Portal, ProposalCentral, click HERE. There will be no appeal for late submissions.

All information required for the evaluation of the application must be submitted electronically through ProposalCentral. Receipt of the application will be acknowledged by
automated email notification.

Additional Information:

More Information: Consult the Program Guidelines on our website.

Centre for Global Disability Studies - Small Grants Fund

The Centre for Global Disability Studies (CGDS) at the University of Toronto Scarborough has grants available for faculty, graduate students, and researchers in your unit. These easy-to-apply-for grants of $500-1500 can be used for accessible research, knowledge dissemination or community engagement, improving access to academic events, or any aspect of hosting a disability studies event on campus.

Common Questions:

Is my project sufficiently related to disability studies?
The Centre for Global Disability Studies promotes transdisciplinary research that understands disability as a social and political formation and ableism as a historical system of oppression with intersections with racism, colonialism, sexism, and classism. We do not fund medical research or clinical studies. We do fund social science and humanities projects that have a relationship to questions about ableism in the world.

You can see what folks have used small grants for in the past on the website if you need some inspiration. You can also get creative! Here are some ideas:

Do you want your published article to be open access but need to pay a fee?
Do you need an RA to update your website that helps community members find your research?
Do you need an RA to help you organize a meeting or prepare a letter or video to communicate research findings with research participants or the broader community
Do you want to purchase a piece of technology that will help you communicate with research participants?
Do you need a piece of software that will make organizing your research more accessible for you?
Do you want to pay a research participant to serve as a community expert consultant for your project?
Do you want to pay a community disability advocate to speak in your working group or department?
Do you want your department colloquium to have live captioning?
Do you need to improve the accessibility in the grad student lounge in your department?
Are you organizing a campus event on a theme related to disability justice with another organization and need a cosponsor?

Is my research “global” enough?

The small grants are flexible. Please apply. You might hear back suggestions about how you could revise your research plan to be better aligned with anti-racist and anti-colonial justice, but, if you are already considering ableism as a pervasive, transnational system of oppression, your research is eligible. However, grant proposals for research that takes a curative approach to disability and/or does not substantively engage with disability studies will be returned for revision. Moreover, accessible events grants do not need to pertain only to disability studies but can be requested for any campus event.

Click here to learn more or to apply.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) - Free online training on patient engagement

Click here to start any module of the course

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) has developed a set of online, self-directed, free modules related to Patient Engagement (PE) in research! IMHA’s patient partners identified a need for more training in patient engagement and set to work filling the gap for practical tools and resources to help people do patient engagement in research. Modules must be completed in chronological order; after completing each module, you will receive a certificate. While the modules have been developed by IMHA, they are not disease- or condition-specific and are applicable to any research where patient partners are engaged.

Course: A How-to Guide for Patient Engagement in Research

Module 1: What is patient engagement?
Module 2: The research process: (a) Understanding the research process for patient partners and (b) Supporting patient partners throughout the research process for other members of the research team
Module 3: Setting up a research project for successful partnership
Module 4: Patient engagement for research teams: (a) Being part of a research team for patient partners and (b) Engaging patients on your research team for other members of the research team

If you have any questions about the training or accessing the modules, please contact imha-iala@cihr-irsc.gc.ca and follow @CIHR_IMHA for related announcements!

Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium – Convergence Postdoctoral Fellowships

The University of Toronto Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium (EPIC) is pleased to announce a new call for Convergence Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Overview

Value: $120,000

Duration: Two years

Purpose: EPIC Convergence Postdoctoral Fellowships support postdoctoral trainees who are driving innovative infectious disease-focused projects that bridge two research disciplines. These senior trainees are expected to engage faculty from at least two different departments and/or divisions, with formal co-supervision by each. By linking together expertise from different research areas, EPIC Convergence Postdoctoral Fellowships will help strengthen the connectedness and interdisciplinarity of EPIC’s research community while advancing leading-edge research.

To be considered for these fellowships, applicants must:

Be engaged in a research project that integrates perspectives from diverse areas of study.
Address research questions about existing human infectious diseases or zoonotic pathogens with human pandemic potential.
Be co-supervised (or formally advised) by two faculty members from distinct departments or divisions.
Maintain full-time employment status on the research project for the duration of the fellowship.
Demonstrate an excellent research track record.
Have supervisors who must have a primary affiliation at the University of Toronto or one of EPIC’s partner institutions (The Hospital for Sick Children, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Unity Health Toronto and University Health Network).

Application Deadline:

March 10, 2025, 23:59 ET

How to Apply: Access the complete application guidelines and online forms via EPIC’s website.

About the Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium at the University of Toronto

The Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium (EPIC) is a partnership between the University of Toronto and five hospital research partners — The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Sinai Health, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Unity Health Toronto and the University Health Network. EPIC brings together researchers from different disciplines to facilitate an integrated and innovative response to high-risk, high-burden infectious diseases. As Canada’s leading initiative for transformative infectious disease research, EPIC is linking academic researchers with industry and government partners, training the next generation of research leaders and advocating for science-based policies. For questions or more information, please visit our website or contact epic@utoronto.ca.

Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium – Career Transition Awards

The University of Toronto Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium (EPIC) is pleased to announce a new call for Career Transition Awards.

Overview

Value: $120,000

Duration: Two years

Purpose: EPIC Career Transition Awards support senior postdoctoral trainees, clinical trainees and/or research associates who are ready to lead an independent project. The support will establish a discrete fund for the recipient to facilitate an achievable, small-scale project led entirely by the applicant, while being mentored by their supervisor and a dedicated mentor in the EPIC community. This work is intended to become a cornerstone of their independent program as they develop the next stages of their career.

To be considered for the award, applicants will:

Hold a PhD with a minimum of 18-months of postdoctoral research or have completed MD residency training and be engaged in a fellowship and/or post-graduate training program (e.g., Master’s/PhD/post-doc). Note: MDs with a PhD are also eligible to apply
Demonstrate an excellent research track record during their post-graduate research training.
Propose an innovative project focused on human infectious diseases or zoonotic pathogens with human pandemic potential.
Display independence from the supervisor’s research program.
Have a primary supervisor who must have a primary affiliation at the University of Toronto or one of EPIC’s partner hospitals (The Hospital for Sick Children, the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Unity Health Toronto and the University Health Network).

Application Deadline:

March 17, 2025, 11:59 PM EST

How to Apply: Access the complete application guidelines and online forms via EPIC’s website.

About the Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium at the University of Toronto

Medicine by Design: Summer by Design

How do you move innovative discoveries out of the lab efficiently and effectively so patients benefit sooner? What are the steps involved in translating and commercializing regenerative medicine discoveries? What career opportunities exist beyond academia?

At Summer by Design, an eight-day, intensive program for PhD students and post-doctoral fellows from Canadian and international universities, participants will:

Learn from experts across the technology translation continuum
Explore Toronto’s dynamic life sciences hub by meeting with clinical and industry leaders in regenerative medicine
Connect with Summer by Design participants to strengthen networks of international peers

Check out testimonials of Summer by Design alumni!

Learn more and apply

Summer by Design is hosted by the University of Toronto's Medicine by Design with lead partner, CCRM, as well as Stem Cell Network, and the Rotman School of Management.

MITACS Training Courses - Update

LAST CALL: Mitacs's new Accessible courses start February 15

Mitacs Training is launching accessible versions of its self-paced e-learning courses on February 15, 2024. To have a smooth transition, we kindly request that you complete any online courses you have registered for by February 14, 2024, and start registering for the corresponding facilitated sessions. After February 14, if you have not completed a course, the course progress will be lost, and you will have to register for the new course version.

For more information, contact us at training@mitacs.ca

Access our curriculum

NSERC - Lab2Market Validate

Lab2Market Validate, formally known as Lab2Market, gives researchers the opportunity to critically test and evaluate their idea in the entrepreneurial landscape. This carefully curated 16-week experience is complemented by funding, exercises, workshops, and mentorship from industry experts – all with exploration at its core. The program will take participants through the process of unlocking the business potential of a research idea – from meeting customers, building a network, and most importantly, developing entrepreneurial grit.

About Lab2Market Validate:
This 4-month, immersive program equips researchers with the tools and guidance to critically evaluate their ideas within the entrepreneurial landscape. Participants will receive:

$10,000 in funding
Tailored workshops and exercises
Hands-on mentorship from seasoned industry experts
A network of like-minded researchers and entrepreneurs.

Please notify the Innovations and Partnerships Office of your intent to apply by February 21, 2025.

Applications for Validate close in less than a month! - March 2nd at 11:59 PM EST. The cohort runs May 12th to August 12th, 2025.

Have you already validated a market opportunity in the health sector?Take the next step with the National Health Launch Spring 2025 program. Designed to support emerging early-stage health ventures, this program provides the guidance, resources, and mentorship needed to accelerate your journey.
Applications close on March 2nd at 11:59 PM EST.

Still have questions? Email validate@lab2market.ca or wkosiba@torontomu.ca to request more information

2025 Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program: Supporting Researchers from Underrepresented Groups

The University of Toronto Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program provides funding to Graduate Faculties to increase opportunities for hiring postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented groups, specifically Indigenous and Black researchers only. These fellowships will enable postdoctoral researchers to grow their scholarly profiles, undertake academic work at the University of Toronto, and strengthen the research environment at the University with diverse perspectives.

This funding is designed to help the University compete with peer institutions for top-tier candidates, and to support the University in meeting its institutional goal of fostering increased diversity and representation at all levels of teaching, learning and research. Nominees must be nominated by their prospective Faculties/divisions following the timeline and processes outlined below. While the nomination/application process will normally begin with faculty advisors/mentors, funding for the successful nominees will be provided to their respective Faculty Research Office for administration.

Read about the recipients of the Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellows on the PPFP webpage.

Value & Duration

The Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is available to engage seven Indigenous and/or Black postdoctoral researchers annually. Commencing in 2025-2026, each award will provide $80,000 per year to the Faculty to support up to two years of a postdoctoral fellowship salary and employer costs. This level of funding exceeds the median postdoctoral salary at the University of Toronto and is in keeping with Canada’s most prestigious postdoctoral awards.

Effective 2025-2026 the Fellowship may be used to fund:

The gross salary only: the salary is provided at the rate of $80,000 /year** (or higher), in which case, the Faculty/Unit/Supervisor would be responsible for covering the additional employer costs* above the annual $80,000 PPFP envelope**; or
Both the gross salary and employer costs:* the salary is provided at a minimum rate of $70,000 /year**, with the remaining $10,000 contributing towards the employer costs* payable by the Faculty/Unit/Supervisor.
*Employer costs in 2024-2025 include the Standard Benefit Rate (SBR) payable at a rate of 10.25% and the PDF Levy, payable at a rate of 1.25% (7.75% effective Feb 1, 2025).

** Additionally, successful postdoctoral fellows will also receive a start-up stipend fund of $5,000 per year (as taxable income), funded through the faculty advisor. Units/departments may augment the salary, cover the start-up stipend and employer cost from a variety of sources, including operating budget, faculty advisor funds such as research grants, other awards, etc.

Eligibility

The award is open to Indigenous and/or Black researchers, both domestic and international candidates.

Nominees must:

Demonstrate academic excellence and high potential for success in their chosen fields;
Identify as Indigenous to Turtle Island and/or Black – Indigenous and/or Black researchers only;
Have obtained a doctoral degree, at the time the fellowship commences and normally within the last five years from the start of the fellowship; and
Not have held a Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship previously.

Recipients must:

Begin the fellowship by January 2026, following the competition;
Be engaged as a postdoctoral employee of the University of Toronto;
Be hired by a UofT supervisor appointed to a graduate unit;
Register and remain registered with the Postdoctoral Office at SGS;
Not hold concurrently another major fellowship;
Not hold a faculty position or be on leave from such a position;
Establish an IDP (Independent Development Plan) and submit to SGS within the first three months of the fellowship. The IDP should be reviewed annually and the revised copy sent to the Postdoctoral Office at SGS; and
Submit proof of completion of degree no later than three months after the fellowship commences if they had not fulfilled all requirements for their degree at the time of nomination.

At the University of Toronto, we strive to be an equitable and inclusive community, rich with diversity, protecting the human rights of all persons, and based upon understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of every person. We seek to ensure to the greatest extent possible that all students and employees enjoy the opportunity to participate as they see fit in the full range of activities that the University offers, and to achieve their full potential as members of the University community.

Deadline Date

Submissions are due to the Research Office by March 12, 2025 by 5pm EST

Application Process

Potential nominees interested in the Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program should contact the nominating supervisor. Supervisors wishing to support a candidate’s application must contact the Research Office for more details about the nomination process.

Please submit a list of all candidates considered (using the SGS submission spreadsheet), and a complete nomination package for each ranked nominee. Please use the file naming convention of “Last name, First Name_PPFP2025” for the nomination packages.

Nomination Packages:

The nomination package for each nominee should be scanned as a single PDF file, containing all application materials in the order as listed below:

A supervisor statement from the faculty advisor/mentor (max. two pages). The statement should:
1. describe the complementarity between the research interests/background of the supervisor and nominee, how the proposed research complements the supervisor’s ongoing projects and/or new research directions, and the anticipated mutual benefits;
2. reveal information specific to the field of study (e.g., benchmarks of excellence, publication norms/standards/practices, impact factor of research contributions) that would otherwise not be known outside the discipline;
3. provide details regarding the applicant’s proposed research environment, clearly stating the supervisor’s and department’s commitment. Examples of commitment include (but are not limited to) mentorship, opportunities for collaboration, dissemination, and/or knowledge translation, resources (e.g., funding, facilities, personnel) that will be available to support the nominee as they carry out their proposed research; and
4. illustrate the supervisor’s commitment to the applicant’s academic and professional trajectory, clearly indicating the resources and/or mentoring activities that are available through the training environment to support career development.
Research or scholarship proposal from the nominee (max. two pages, plus up to two additional pages for references/citations);
Training statement from the nominee (max. 1 page). The statement should describe:
1. their professional, academic, and extracurricular experiences/achievements and how it will contribute to their training success (1/2 page); and
2. how the training they expect to acquire will contribute to their productivity and to the research goals they hope to achieve. Indicate why they decided upon the proposed training location and what they expect to learn from the training experience (1/2 page).
Nominee’s C.V. (no page restriction);
A short personal biography written by the nominee (max. 1/3 page), which may be used on the SGS Postdoctoral Fellows website or other communications, should they be successfully selected as a Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow.

Please submit package to Sam D'Alfonso

Selection Criteria

Available at the SGS Website, please use this link.

2026 Schmidt Science Fellows

The Schmidt Science Fellows program is an initiative of Schmidt Sciences, delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust.

The Program’s mission is to change how science is done. Working with the scientific community, they want to help break down barriers to interdisciplinary science and accelerate positive impacts for global society. To help scientists solve bigger problems faster, they are identifying, developing, and amplifying the next generation of science leaders. Through the Fellowship, they are building a community of scientists and supporters of interdisciplinary science and leveraging this network to drive sector-wide change.

About the program

The Program seeks:

Brilliant minds in natural sciences, math, engineering, and computing with a commitment to interdisciplinary science.
Curious and creative scientists who are interested in broadening their horizons, pivoting away from their PhD research area and pursuing a challenging and rewarding period of study in an alternative research discipline with world leading scientists.
Academically excellent, risk-positive, early-career researchers who can demonstrate a commitment to ambitious, high-impact science.
Future leaders with the potential and character to lead teams and unlock transformative discoveries in the future.
Talented individuals from a wide range of scientific disciplines who are motivated to increase the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Interdisciplinary Pivot:

The shift in research focus or interdisciplinary pivot is central to the Schmidt mission. It can be categorized by change from the PhD discipline and in the research application area.
Proposals requiring candidates to immerse themselves fully in a new discipline from their current expertise and to address different or broader questions than those posed during their PhD and are aligned most closely with the Program will be valued most highly.
Proposals with less ambitious changes in discipline and application are valued less.
Proposals in sub-disciplines closely related to the PhD are not acceptable, even if there is a large change in the application area.
Schmidt does not allow proposals that represent an incremental or logical progression from the applicant’s PhD or those which attempt to cover multiple disciplines where only a superficial understanding of each new area is likely to be gained.
The pivot should enable a Fellow to achieve a scientific goal that is not possible while continuing their current course, allowing them to overcome a scientific challenge using different approaches or perspectives.
Please watch the animation, Your Interdisciplinary Pivot, explaining the pivot for additional guidance.
Proposed pivots must be to the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing or any sub- disciplines of these subjects.
Pivots to the social sciences are outside the scope of the Schmidt Science Fellowship.

Value and Duration

The Schmidt Fellowship will provide a stipend of US$110,000 per year for up to two years of postdoctoral study in a different area from their PhD, at any approved location worldwide

Deadline

The Deadline for the Schmidt Fellowship is March 24, 2025 by 5pm EST. Applications must be sent to the Sam D'Alfonso in the Research Office.

Eligibilty

In order to be eligible for nomination and potential selection as a Schmidt Science Fellow, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Conducting their PhD degree in the natural sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences), engineering, mathematics, or computing – and all sub-disciplines therein at the University of Toronto. Individuals on clinical track MD-PhD or Veterinary-PhD programs are not eligible;
Expect to have their final PhD thesis accepted by the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto between May 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026; and
Able to start their Fellowship on July 1, 2026 or October 1, 2026 (start dates are firm as the cohort starts together in either July or October) and available from April 2026 to July 2027 to attend virtual onboarding activities, and from October 2026 to attend in- person convenings: the Science Leadership Program and the annual Schmidt Science Fellows Interdisciplinary Science Summit.

Nomination Package

The following will serve as a complete nomination package. Applicants are encouraged to review the slides from the 2025-26 Schmidt Presentation for applicants for guidance:

Description of PhD written by the applicant. Provide a brief overview of PhD studies, summarizing the main aims and outcomes. Clearly state individual contributions; address the aspects that are particularly exciting and innovative work; and highlight any outputs or activities that have significant impact or bring great pride.
Fellowship Research Plan: The Pivot (max 1000 words) - regarding the potential postdoctoral research the applicant may wish to pursue if named a Schmidt Science Scholar. The shift in research focus or interdisciplinary pivot is central to Schmidt’s mission. Intellectual freedom and the pursuit of bold ideas is encouraged. How the proposal is a change in discipline and/or application must be clearly explained. Pivots should enable applicants to achieve a scientific goal that is not possible while continuing their current course, allowing them to overcome a scientific challenge using different approaches or perspectives. See Interdisciplinary Pivot description in the About the Program section above.

The plan should be original, clearly written, innovative, ambitious, but feasible. It should have a hypothesis, objectives, provide enough detail to demonstrate an understanding of the new research area; explain what is innovative about the proposal; balance “big-picture” thinking and long-term goals with practicality within a 12-24 month Fellowship; describe the new tools and skills needed; outline technical approaches and desired outcomes; articulate a vision and ambition for potential short or long term impact. Keep in mind that reviewers (at the University and international competition) will not be experts in the applicants’ PhD/pivot field.
Options for Placement: Three short creative proposals (max 500 words each) for potential postdoctoral fellowship labs anywhere in the world to develop new networks and skills. This part of the assessment is to understand the applicant’s approach to the pivot and training needs, prompting them to think early, ambitiously, and globally about the best place to undertake their research plan, and how the host lab and principal investigator can support the fellow’s training and development in the new area of research.
Collaboration Statement: Articulate the importance of working collaboratively and convey an ambition to bridge disciplines and lead teams to potentially unlock transformative discoveries in the future. Describe experience/evidence of working collaboratively, either in an academic or non-academic setting. Outline what the applicant feels are the key elements that lead to successful collaborations. Outline approach to collaboration and the teams the applicant hopes to bring together in the future.
Personal Statement (max 1000 words): The statement should describe the applicant’s personal motivations, ambitions, and interests; discuss relevant activities and interests outside of research and how these will have a positive impact on society; make clear what the applicant hopes the Fellowship will do for the applicant and what the applicant will bring to the community. Content should not focus only on research, be a repeat of the research plan, or an essay description of the applicant’s CV.
Lay Summaries and Impact Statement: Summarize PhD and proposed research using lay (non-technical) language to provide an overview to a general audience; describe how the proposed research can make a positive impact on the world. These sections will help provide an overview of the application for reviewers and will be used in communications if selected as a Fellow.
Up to date CV (no page restrictions), including links to relevant publications and research activities. For papers underway or pending publication, applicants should attach a copy of the final abstract (1 page or less) of the paper;
Up to date transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate studies (including those from U of T). Non-U of T transcripts must include grading legend;
Reference Letters: At least three but no more than five (3-5) reference letters (the Schmidt online application requires a minimum of 3 reference letters up to a maximum of 5); One letter must be from the applicant’s PhD supervisor(s). Letters may also come from other faculty, employers, supervisors, or collaborators; at least one should be outside of the PhD supervisory group or University. These letters are expected to be approx. two pages in length, address the applicant’s intellectual ability and research accomplishments, but also markers of leadership and future trajectory, describe the applicant’s achievements and contributions to date. Referees should be aware of the Schmidt selection criteria and the applicant’s research proposal, senior enough to have the experience and perspective to talk convincingly of the applicant’s current abilities AND future potential. Reference letters are to be sent directly to the nominating graduate unit, not to the students.

Selection Criteria

Applications for the Schmidt Science Fellows program will be judged against the following selection criteria:
Intellect

Extraordinary Achievement - Clear record of academic achievement of the highest quality in the sciences and an extraordinary degree of intelligence.
Scientific Curiosity - High degree of intellectual curiosity combined with energy and creativity; a record of continuous innovation and/or use of new technologies.

Programmatic Fit

Alignment with the Program - Commitment to pursuing a year or more of postdoctoral study in a field different from your PhD discipline. A belief that interdisciplinary science and taking appropriate scientific risks are important components of discovery.
Collaborative Spirit - Value the power of bringing people and perspectives together and have a track-record of effective collaboration with diverse team members.

Leadership

Character and Leadership - Genuine and demonstrable potential for science leadership; perseverance, a moral compass, and a galvanizing force of personality.
Global Ambition for Social Good - Driven by the need to use your talent to make a positive difference in society and the world.

To learn more about the kind of candidates Schmidt is are looking for, please visit their website to view Fellow profiles.

Additional Information

For a range of materials and content available that explains and explores the Schmidt Science Fellows mission and introduces the background, science, and motivations of some of our Fellows. Please see the following links:
Science Needs to Change – the Schmidt Science Fellows Vision and Mission
Fellowship Research Placement
Who is a Schmidt Science Fellow?