The newly selected 19 Hertz Fellows embody the spirit of innovation as they address some of the most urgent challenges across contemporary scientific frontiers. From pioneering RNA-based technologies aimed at neutralizing multidrug-resistant bacterial infections to orchestrating satellite missions designed to uncover the universe’s elusive missing matter, these scholars are pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Their research further extends into crafting artificial intelligence systems capable of learning and reasoning in ways akin to human cognition, as well as advancing quantum simulation techniques that enable experimental probing of theoretical physics problems once considered intractable. Beyond their technical expertise, all fellows uphold a profound ethical commitment to support national interests during times of emergency, continuing a tradition established since 1963.

Stephen Fantone, chair of the Hertz Foundation board and CEO of Optikos Corporation, emphasizes that the fellowship consistently identifies individuals whose aspirations transcend personal achievement. This year’s cohort reflects a resolute dedication to innovating solutions with substantial implications for public health, national security, and future technological landscapes. Their collective expertise spans diverse disciplines including astrophysics, quantum chemistry, robotics, plant sciences, and neuroscience, and they are poised to conduct research at leading research institutions across the country. Notably, the Class of 2026 includes the latest Hertz Fellow from the United States Military Academy at West Point, maintaining a long-standing connection between the fellowship and influential military science careers.

The fellowship’s impact extends well beyond immediate financial aid. Upon joining the fellowship, awardees integrate into an expansive global network of over 1,300 Hertz Fellows. This interdisciplinary community has historically contributed to breakthroughs such as the James Webb Space Telescope, global defense infrastructures, revolutionary medical treatments, and scalable computational platforms. The ongoing collaboration among fellows fosters numerous research partnerships, commercial ventures, and technology startups. These synergistic relationships are further strengthened through strategic alliances with prominent organizations spanning philanthropy, national security, and scientific advancement, including the Gates Foundation, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Analog Devices, and the American Physical Society.

Wendy Connors, president of the Hertz Foundation, highlights the organization’s commitment to nurturing fellows throughout their professional lives, not merely during their graduate studies. The 2026 cohort inherits a legacy of lifelong engagement, encompassing mentorship, specialized programming, networking opportunities, and resources to catalyze research impact, entrepreneurship, and leadership in science and technology sectors. This stewardship model ensures that Hertz Fellows remain influential thought leaders with the capacity to shape national and global progress.

The evaluation and selection process is spearheaded by distinguished Hertz Fellows who themselves are deeply embedded in cutting-edge science. Philip Welkhoff, director of the malaria program at the Gates Foundation, and Anna Bershteyn, an associate professor of population health at New York University, co-lead the rigorous assessment that identifies candidates exhibiting extraordinary creativity, perseverance, and principled leadership. Their assessment focuses on selecting doctoral students capable of solving complex problems that lie beyond the reach of conventional approaches.

Welkhoff remarks on the cohort’s remarkable fearlessness and innovation in confronting scientific frontiers with unyielding creativity and vision. He anticipates that the intellectual freedom provided by the fellowship will enable these researchers to achieve breakthroughs that significantly enhance American scientific prowess. Bershteyn echoes this sentiment, noting the unique curiosity and diverse trajectories of the fellows, which will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and robust innovation at the interfaces of their respective fields. This dynamic exchange is central to the fellowship’s lasting influence as a crucible for novel ideas and applications.

Among the esteemed alumni of the Hertz Foundation are luminaries whose work has left indelible marks on science and technology, including Nobel Laureate John Mather, who served as project scientist for the landmark James Webb Space Telescope mission. Other notable fellows include Kimberly Budil, director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Kathleen Fisher, CEO of Aria; and the AI safety pioneers Dario Amodei and Jared Kaplan, founders of Anthropic. Collectively, Hertz Fellows have garnered accolades such as Breakthrough Prizes, MacArthur Fellowships, Turing Awards, Fields Medals, and national science and technology medals. Their prolific output includes thousands of patents, the founding of hundreds of companies, and the creation of extensive employment opportunities in science and technology.

The 2026 fellows represent a wide range of research domains. For example, Hannah Barsouk at Stanford University is developing RNA-based tools targeting the programmable modulation of biological systems, aimed at elucidating mechanisms of disease disruption. Andrew Chu, preparing for doctoral studies at Stanford, works at the intersection of materials science and electrochemistry with applications in sustainable energy technologies. Elizabeth Chung at UCSF leverages systems biology and neuroimmunology to inform novel therapies for neuroimmune diseases grounded in clinical insights. In astrophysics, Elizabeth Kozlov at Princeton is investigating photon ring observables around black holes to decode the geometrical properties of extreme spacetime environments.

Other fellows include Tyler Hou at Princeton, whose work integrates algebraic and logical frameworks for enhancing reasoning systems in programming and distributed computing. Sam Foxman from Caltech, soon to join Stanford’s aeronautics and astronautics program, focuses on spacecraft communication and AI applications in space exploration. Daniel Lesman of Harvard delves into computational and experimental approaches to blood-circulating proteins, while Eric Zhu at Harvard explores quantum simulators that render accessible theoretical physics questions.

In aggregate, the 2026 Hertz Fellowship recipients exemplify the highest caliber of intellectual attainment and innovative spirit. They enter a community that has consistently transformed bold ideas into tangible scientific and technological advances. As these researchers advance their projects, they not only continue a venerable tradition of excellence but also position themselves at the forefront of critical domains shaping the future of human knowledge and capability.

This remarkable cohort’s commitment to solving complex scientific problems amidst rapidly evolving global challenges underscores the enduring importance of independent and sustained support in nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. The Hertz Foundation’s enduring success lies in its mission to empower these extraordinary individuals to pursue their ambitions without constraint, fostering breakthroughs that resonate across society, national security, and economic development. The Class of 2026 stands ready to contribute profoundly and enduringly to these objectives.

Subject of Research: Applied Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics
Article Title: The 2026 Hertz Fellowship Cohort: Revolutionizing Science and Technology Frontiers
News Publication Date: 2024
Web References: https://www.hertzfoundation.org/hertz-fellowship/
References: Profiles and biographies from Hertz Foundation official website
Image Credits: Not provided

Keywords

Hertz Fellowship, doctoral fellowship, scientific innovation, applied sciences, astrophysics, quantum chemistry, artificial intelligence, RNA-based technologies, national security, interdisciplinary research, scientific leadership, groundbreaking research