How graduate students fuel breakthrough research at Stanford

A PhD isn’t just a degree. It’s a four- to seven-year apprenticeship in discovery, generating original knowledge that can shift a field. 

See why investing in PhD fellowships is an investment in the heart of Stanford.

“PhD students are among Stanford's greatest natural resources. Without them, there would be less science. Period." —Michelle Monje, Chambers-Okamura Endowed Director for Pediatric Neuro-Immuno-Oncology, Milan Gambhir Professor of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, and professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford Medicine 

Catalyzing Discovery: The impact

Why it matters

As researchers, teachers, and mentors, PhD students are an essential part of the research ecosystem and the future of every discipline on campus.  PhD fellowships provide the foundational security and flexibility that allow PhD students to move beyond incremental science and take bold, calculated risks. While fellowships at other universities are limited to the field of study of the faculty member or principal investigator, Stanford PhD students are empowered to be the designers of their own education.

The opportunity

Investing in fellowships is an investment in the heart of the university. Fellows serve as a critical catalyst for translational impact, moving beyond theoretical inquiry to develop tangible solutions: life-saving medical diagnostics, marketable products, and implementable policy frameworks. Prioritizing support for these scholars ensures they are equipped to address our most pressing global challenges.