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Research Funding

Our currently open calls for proposals on transformative data science research and events.

2022-2023 AI+Science Opportunities

The Data Science Institute’s AI+Science Research Initiative has launched several funding opportunities to support the research and academic goals of students and faculty at the University of Chicago. The highlighted opportunities and programs below are one-time funding sources targeted only at eligible students, postdocs, or faculty whose research utilizes AI or Machine Learning to advance its scientific pursuits.

Research Funds

Funding grants of up to $10,000 to support computing time on the CS cluster, reagents, lab materials and other experimental supplies, and other research-related expenses. This funding should be spent within 1 year of the start date, and minimal reporting elements will be required upon completion. This grant is not intended to support compensation or benefits.

TIMELINE: Applications open January 4th, and reviews will begin January 31st. A first round of awards will be made in February 2023 by the AI+Science faculty committee, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis during Spring quarter as well.

Applications will be reviewed by a faculty committee.

Application requirements

  • 2 page proposal listing the timing and parameters of the research project, how the funds will be used, and the ultimate goals and impact of said research on the field and research outcomes (planned publications, conference proceedings etc.).
  • List of relevant research participants. For students applications, please list faculty guide or mentor.

A summary report (1-2 pages) is due at the end of the project period.

Total Annual Budget: $50,000

Workshops

An event-focused grant available to current UChicago graduate students and faculty who are interested in convening an interdisciplinary event focused on discussions that advance AI+Science research. Funds can be used to support travel for visitors speaking or attending the event, space, food, and other costs associated with convening experts to discuss topics related directly to AI and the natural sciences.

TIMELINE: Applications open January 4th, and reviews will begin January 31st. A first round of awards will be made in February 2023 by the AI+Science faculty committee, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis during Spring quarter as well.

Applications must contain:

  • A 2-page description of the theme and goals of the event and its planned structure identified leaders and (some) evidence of participant buy-in, intended location and audience.
  • Budget and timeline.
  • If applicant is an undergraduate, an advising PhD student or Faculty Member is required.

Events must occur in calendar year 2023; students, faculty and postdocs are eligible. Attendance can be primarily local participants (max $4k) or people more widespread (max $10k). A post event report will be required. A second round of funding will available in Spring Quarter.

Total Annual Budget: $25,000

Visiting Scholars

(Limited) funding to support travel, lodging and per diem for visiting scholars to the UChicago campus. May include graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty members or industry researchers; visits should not extend beyond 1 month, and do not include compensation for salary. Available for up to 2 visitors in calendar year 2023; maximum amount should not exceed $8,000.

TIMELINE: Applications Open January 4th, and reviews will begin January 31st. A first round of awards will be made in February 2023 by the AI+Science faculty committee, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis during Spring quarter as well.

Students, faculty and postdocs are eligible. Applications must include:

  • Bio and CV of proposed visiting scholar.
  • Aims and goals to be accomplished through a brief in-person period at the University of Chicago, including a summary of planned activities, location of work and how said visit will advance the goals of your research portfolio.
  • Scientific research must be sufficiently tied to the aims and goals of the AI+Science Initiative and discipline.

A report at the completion of the visit regarding the benefits and research undertaken is required.

Total Annual Budget: $25,000