Funder: Fannie and John Hertz Foundation
Due Dates: October 30, 2026 (Application) | November 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Pacific (Recommender forms)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 over up to five years, including a personal stipend and cost-of-education allowance
Summary: Supports doctoral students in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering who aim to solve major, near-term societal problems.
Key Information: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and first- or second-year PhD students in fall 2027.
Description
The Hertz Fellowship, administered by the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, provides doctoral funding and lifelong professional support to promising innovators in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The program invests in individuals who tackle challenging questions in their fields and seek to solve major interdisciplinary problems facing the nation and the world.
Its Freedom to Innovate approach gives fellows flexibility to choose their advisor and research group, explore ideas beyond an advisor’s grant constraints, and develop collaborative projects. Alongside financial support, fellows join a community of scientists and engineers, work with a dedicated mentor, and access partnerships offering internships, professional development, and networking. The fellowship encourages researchers to take risks and connect scientific discoveries with real-world solutions.
