FAQS - The Pivot
Is my proposed pivot ambitious enough?
We cannot comment on the content of individual self-nominations.
Schmidt favour:
- a bold and ambitious change of discipline
- enabling you to achieve scientific goals not possible under your current course of research
- a commitment to bold interdisciplinary research
- a clear rationale for the pivot.
Changes in discipline rank more highly than changes in the area in which you will be applying your research.
- Large changes in discipline with large, medium or small changes in application area are most likely to be considered for shortlisting.
- Moderate changes in discipline with moderate or large changes in application may be considered but are less likely to be successful.
- Small changes in discipline are very unlikely to be considered, even when the change in application area is large.
What will not be accepted as a pivot?
The following are not acceptable:
- pivots to sub-disciplines closely related to the PhD
- proposals which represent a logical or incremental progression from the PhD
- proposals which try to cover multiple disciplines superficially
- pivots to social sciences, the pivot must be to another STEMM discipline.