FAQs
-
What is Schmidt Sciences?
Schmidt Sciences, LLC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported by Eric and Wendy Schmidt dedicated to advancing science and technology for positive global impact. Schmidt Sciences, LLC is a subsidiary of The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation (EIN: 46-3460261).
-
What does Schmidt Sciences do?
Our team seeks out researchers pursuing early-stage, high-risk hypotheses that address everything from basic-science questions to pressing problems facing the planet. We sow the seeds of these ideas into what we believe to be the most fertile soil—a vibrant, interdisciplinary global community, equipped with the most advanced technology, where scientists can follow their curiosity—with the goal of nurturing new ways to conduct science and growing a forest of knowledge and solutions for the world.
Founded in 2024, Schmidt Sciences brings together the science-focused efforts of Eric and Wendy Schmidt, whose philanthropy works toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all. We prioritize research in five focus areas poised for revolutionary impact:
• AI and Advanced Computing
• Astrophysics and Space
• Biosciences
• Climate
• Science Systems -
What is Schmidt Sciences’ policy on paying for an awardee’s indirect costs?
Schmidt Sciences uses the following policy for any contribution or funding it recommends from any source:
We require all awardees, unless otherwise agreed to in the terms of the award agreement, to refrain from using award funds to pay for any indirect costs, and there shall be no allocation of indirect costs to an award, in each case, unless expressly agreed in writing in the agreement to permit the award to be spent on indirect costs. In other words, the awardee should not include any indirect costs in an award’s budget unless expressly agreed.
In cases where an indirect-cost allocation is allowed per the terms of the award agreement, then the following rules shall apply except as otherwise expressly set forth in the applicable award agreement:
• Indirect costs may not exceed 10% of the total award;
• The allocation rate must be approved in advance by the program manager or other office;
• The indirect-cost allocation must be included as a line item in the project budget -
Do you accept unsolicited proposals?
We proactively seek out grant opportunities and do not accept unsolicited proposals. Open calls for proposals can be found here.
-
What is the relationship between Schmidt Sciences and other Schmidt entities?
Schmidt Sciences is part of the philanthropic organizations and initiatives created and funded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to work toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all: