Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoc Fellowship: University of Toronto, Canada

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoc Fellowship at the University of Toronto supports researchers who want to apply artificial intelligence to scientific or engineering questions. The fellowship combines postdoctoral research funding with AI and computational training. Therefore, it can suit researchers who have strong expertise in their scientific field but are still developing advanced AI skills. The current University of Toronto call offers C$85,000 per year in salary for two years, plus an additional C$11,000 per year toward eligible supervisor or unit benefit costs. The current application deadline is October 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET, with awards starting between May 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028. 

What Is the Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The fellowship is a University of Toronto program supported by Schmidt Sciences. Its central goal is to encourage scientists and engineers to use AI as a research method rather than treating AI as the research topic itself.

For example, a physicist could use machine learning to study complex physical systems. Similarly, a materials scientist might apply AI to identify promising materials more efficiently. The program therefore emphasizes scientific discovery, interdisciplinary work, and the development of AI capabilities.

Schmidt Sciences describes the wider initiative as a global effort to accelerate scientific discovery through AI. The program operates across nine university partners and supports postdoctoral and faculty researchers. 

Why This Fellowship Matters for AI in Science

Scientific research often produces large and complicated datasets. Traditional methods can struggle when researchers need to identify patterns across many variables. AI can provide additional methods for finding relationships, making predictions, or exploring complex research questions.

However, successful AI-for-science research requires more than technical skills. Researchers also need strong domain knowledge. That combination is one of the fellowship’s most useful features.

The University of Toronto has already built a substantial Schmidt AI in Science community. Its fellows have worked on topics ranging from astronomy and ecology to climate adaptation and scientific foundation models. 

Who Can Apply for the University of Toronto Schmidt Fellowship?

The program is designed for researchers with doctoral training in natural sciences or engineering who want to incorporate AI into their research.

The current call emphasizes applicants who demonstrate:

• • Strong academic achievement and research potential.

  • Leadership or promise within their scientific field.

  • A clear reason for using AI in the proposed research.

  • Good alignment with the proposed supervisor and research environment.

  • A willingness to develop new AI and computational skills.

Importantly, advanced AI expertise is not necessarily required. The program specifically recognizes researchers who have strong scientific backgrounds and want to learn new AI approaches. 

International Applicants

International researchers can apply. However, applicants should examine doctoral completion requirements carefully before accepting an award.

The fellowship also requires a suitable University of Toronto supervisor. If the primary supervisor lacks AI expertise, the published U of T guidance indicates that an AI-focused co-supervisor may be required. 

Funding, Duration, and Benefits

The current fifth call provides C$85,000 per year in salary for two years. An additional fixed amount of C$11,000 per year supports the standard benefit rate and postdoctoral levy costs incurred by the supervisor or awarded unit. 

The fellowship can also provide modest support for conference travel and research training activities. However, applicants should not assume that all research expenses are covered.

The previously published U of T application guidance states that research expenses such as consumables and fieldwork travel remain the responsibility of host supervisors and co-supervisors. Therefore, applicants should discuss the project’s full financial needs with potential supervisors before applying. 

What Research Areas Are Suitable?

The fellowship focuses on AI applications within the natural sciences and engineering. Computer science and mathematics can also fall within the eligible disciplinary scope.

The important distinction is the research objective. A project should use AI to answer a scientific or engineering question. A proposal focused mainly on creating a new AI tool may not fit the program.

Likewise, the published U of T guidance places limits on health and medical projects when their primary goal is healthcare delivery or health-product development. Applicants should therefore explain the fundamental scientific objective clearly. 

How to Apply for the Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship

1. Find a Suitable University of Toronto Supervisor

Start early. The program does not act as a supervisor-matching service, so applicants need to identify potential supervisors themselves.

Look for researchers whose work connects naturally with your scientific question. Then consider whether an AI or computational co-supervisor would strengthen the project.

2. Build a Focused Research Idea

A strong proposal should explain three things clearly:

1. 1. What scientific problem needs attention?

   2. Why are existing approaches insufficient?

   3. How could AI create a meaningful research advantage?

For example, do not simply write that machine learning will “improve efficiency.” Explain what information the model will analyze and what scientific insight it could reveal.

3. Prepare the Application Materials

The most recently published U of T application guidance includes a research proposal, bibliography, AI in Science training plan, candidate statement, leadership statement, CV, and two confidential reference letters. The supervisor also submits an assessment form. 

Because the current call is a new competition, applicants should confirm the final document requirements on the official application page before submission.

4. Submit Before the Deadline

For the fifth call, the University of Toronto lists October 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET as the application deadline. Adjudication is scheduled for November 2026, with notifications planned for January 2027. Award starts are expected between May 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028. 

Expert Tips for a Strong Application

First, make the science lead the story. AI should solve a meaningful research problem, not appear as a fashionable addition.

Second, make the training plan specific. Identify the AI skills you need and explain how those skills connect to the proposed research.

Third, choose supervisors strategically. A strong combination of scientific expertise and AI methodology can make the research environment more convincing.

Finally, ask someone outside your specialty to read the proposal. The selection process involves multidisciplinary reviewers. Therefore, your central scientific idea should remain understandable to researchers from other fields.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent weaknesses:

• • Describing AI tools without defining the scientific question.

  • Proposing a project that is primarily about building an AI product.

  • Choosing a supervisor without checking research compatibility.

  • Leaving reference letters until the final days.

  • Assuming the fellowship covers every research expense.

  • Using highly technical language without explaining the broader significance.

A practical approach is to create a one-page project summary before writing the full proposal. If the research question, AI contribution, expected insight, and training needs are clear on one page, the longer application becomes easier to organize.

Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship Deadline 2026

The current University of Toronto fifth call has an application deadline of October 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The expected award period runs from May 1, 2027, through January 1, 2028, while the fellowship itself provides two years of funding. 

Applicants should rely on the latest official University of Toronto announcement for the active competition. The older program application page still displays information from the previous competition, so checking the current call is especially important. 

Final Summary

Conclusion

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto offers a strong opportunity for scientists and engineers who wants to bring AI into their research. Its combination of salary support, AI training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research development makes it particularly relevant to emerging AI-for-science researchers. The current fifth call closes on October 5, 2026, so prospective applicants should begin preparing early. Most importantly, build the application around a clear scientific question and a convincing reason to use AI. Before submitting, always confirm the latest requirements through the official University of Toronto program page.

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