CDAC Discovery Challenge Info Session

The Discovery Challenge is a new seed funding program at the Center for Data and Computing (CDAC) that accelerates the research-to-impact process through the development of research-based, use-inspired data science technologies and tools. The Discovery Challenge also requires the inclusion of external collaborators from industry or civic organizations that can provide critical input and accelerate the transition of research into practical use.

Projects may focus on broad and cross-cutting topics such as, but not limited to: behavioral economics, precision workforce development, bias and fairness, operationalizing AI, IoT & privacy, and medical imaging. Funding will be awarded up to $250,000.

The goals of the program are to: 

1. Accelerate the development of transformational AI & data science technologies that deliver high impact results to society, 
2. Deepen cooperation and information sharing between potential users such as industry, academic teams, and external stakeholders,
3. Position projects to successfully scale and secure external funding. 

The guiding rationale of the Discovery Challenge is that societally relevant research requires engagement with experts across disciplines– as well as multiple kinds of stakeholders, including the end users of such outputs. However, identifying, engaging with, and creating solutions for interdisciplinary challenges that also benefit (and don’t inadvertently harm) stakeholders is a non-trivial task that often requires matchmaking, customer discovery, and a plan for coordination. 

The full RFP will will be announced at the webinar — join the event to ask questions and preview the new funding opportunity. The event is open to researchers from Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the University of Chicago with PI status. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered attendees.