Physicist Named 2026 Schmidt Polymath, Awarded up to $2.5M

University of Maryland Associate Professor of Physics Zohreh Davoudi is one of eight academics around the globe named a 2026 Schmidt Polymath.

Davoudi will receive up to $2.5 million over five years from the philanthropic organization Schmidt Sciences to explore how the universe works by employing cutting-edge tools such as quantum computing and sensing, and artificial intelligence.

“The flexibility and freedom offered by this award is a dream come true,” Davoudi said. “It allows one to explore the wildest ideas and not be afraid of crossing traditional boundaries set within institutions and funding agencies.” 

Since joining UMD in 2017, Davoudi has worked at the intersection of nuclear physics, particle physics and computer science. Her research explores how to build the universe from the bottom up: Physicists have a good description of nature’s basic ingredients, but translating those fundamental equations into concrete predictions—about the structure of an atomic nucleus or the matter inside a neutron star—is enormously difficult. 

“We are elated to hear of this prestigious and well-deserved acknowledgment of Dr. Davoudi’s considerable talent,” said Kara Hoffman, chair of UMD’s Department of Physics. “We are proud of her accomplishments and look forward to hearing about the many findings that this generous award will enable.”

Founded in 2021, the Schmidt Sciences Polymath Program recognizes risky, cross-disciplinary work undertaken by researchers who push the boundaries of their fields to achieve scientific breakthroughs. To date, 43 researchers at 31 institutions across nine countries have won the Polymath award.