The Foundation supports graduate students working towards the Ph.D. degree in the applied physical, biological and engineering sciences. These fields include applied mathematics, statistics, and quantitative aspects of modern biology.
Here, "applied" is broadly construed to mean fields of endeavor in which one applies, invents, and/or develops results from the basic physical sciences to generate solutions to problems of comparatively near-term, widespread human interest.
The Foundation's efforts complement the applied physical sciences portion of the NSF's graduate fellowship program (and the Foundation coordinates with the NSF periodically). The Foundation does not support study in pursuit of the M.D. Degree or work in descriptive biology, although it may support the Ph.D. portion of a joint M.D./Ph.D. study program.
The following is an illustrative (but not exclusive) list of the fields in which we have recently supported Hertz Fellows. Note, however, that it is up to each fellowship applicant to advocate to us his or her specific field of interest as an "applied physical science".
Aeronautics/Astronautics
Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Applied Physics and Astronomy
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Earth and Geo Sciences
Electrical, Mechanical, Civil and Nuclear Engineering
Materials Science
Quantitative Biology and Bio-Engineering