ISTA’s First Schmidt Science Fellow

PhD student David Vijatovic has been named the first Schmidt Science Fellow from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), marking a new milestone. As part of the prestigious postdoctoral program for exceptional early-career researchers, he aims to tackle the build-up of plastic pollutants in the brain.

Established in 2018, the highly competitive Schmidt Science Fellows initiative supports outstanding PhD graduates in pursuing interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing complex global challenges.

Fellows participate in a one- to two-year “pivot” into a new field with leading teams worldwide, positioning them for their next career steps. They receive assistance in securing placements, along with leadership training and funding of up to USD 220,000.

Vijatovic is one of just 32 Schmidt Science Fellows selected this year from more than 450 applications. Together, the awardees represent 11 nationalities and were nominated by 25 institutions—including ISTA—across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

‘Incredible opportunity’

During his fellowship, set to begin in the fall of 2026, Vijatovic aims to develop biological strategies for clearing plastic particles from the brain. Drawing inspiration from organisms in nature that can break down plastics, he aims to translate these mechanisms into biomedical solutions.

“Plastic pollution is becoming a biological problem, not just an environmental one,” Vijatovic said. “The Schmidt Science Fellowship gives me an incredible opportunity to step into a completely new field and develop interdisciplinary approaches to addressing synthetic pollutants that accumulate in the brain.”

‘Perfectly suited’ for award & success

ISTA Assistant Professor Lora Sweeney praised Vijatovic, who has been part of her research group since 2021, as a daring biologist unafraid to try new methods, entertain new hypotheses and work at the forefront—and even define—a field.

“As a pioneer, he is always excited to share what he learns with his colleagues,” Sweeney said. “This combination of fearlessness, thoughtfulness and generosity makes him perfectly suited for this award, and for success in this highly cross-disciplinary scientific endeavor.”

Vijatovic’s PhD work in the Sweeney group explored how spinal motor circuits develop and enable different types of movement in animals, revealing that the diversity of neuron types increases with the emergence of limb-based movement.

Schmidt Science Fellows is an initiative of Schmidt Sciences in partnership with the UK charity Rhodes Trust. Schmidt Sciences is a non-profit funded and founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt. Eric Schmidt is the former CEO and executive chairman of Google.