Hertz Foundation
American non-profit foundation awarding fellowships in the sciences
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is an American non-profit organization that awards fellowships to PhD students in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Hertz Fellows are selected at the beginning of their careers for their potential to lead the advancement of science and technology through innovation. The fellowship begins with up to $250,000 of financial support over five years of graduate study, granting flexibility and the ability to pursue their own interests, as well as mentoring from alumni fellows. In addition to funding, fellows receive distinctive opportunities throughout their lives, including events, mentoring, and professional and scholarly support as members of the Hertz Fellows Community. Fellows pledge to make their skills available to the United States in times of national emergency. Membership as a Hertz Fellow is for life.
Hertz Fellowship
History
Cold War origins
In 1957, during the Cold War era, Jewish-Hungarian emigrant John D. Hertz established the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation with the purpose of supporting bright young minds in the applied sciences. In the political climate of the time with the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, Hertz's intentions in making this significant contribution towards American scientific excellence were specifically anti-communist. For his significant contribution to the security of the US, Hertz received the highest civilian award given by the Department of Defense in 1958.
Pivot to graduate-level research
Initially, the foundation granted undergraduate scholarships to qualified and financially limited mechanical and electrical engineering students.
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