IDEA Scholar Program, Flatiron Institute

IDEA scholars are distinguished scientists with strong scientific overlap with one or more of the Flatiron Centers and a particular interest in increasing diversity and improving equity and inclusion, who are invited to spend extended visits at the Flatiron Institute.

The goals of the program include 1) diversifying the group of scholars who visit FI, and providing an opportunity for these scholars to network with and form collaborations with scientists at FI and in the NY region 2) building connections between FI and a more diverse set of institutions 3) supporting DEI-themed workshops and outreach events involving IDEA scholars.

Applications for the 2022-2023 IDEA scholar program will be accepted up until November 30, 2021.


IDEA Scholars may engage in a variety of activities while in residence, such as working on scientific projects, starting new scientific collaborations, mentoring junior scientists, interacting with Flatiron scientific staff, giving talks and seminars, and organizing or participating in workshops, career development events and outreach activities. Scholars may propose activities that they wish to lead or to participate in during their residency. Although the scholars' own scientific activities are likely to be anchored within one of the centers, some activities might be Flatiron-wide. Additional financial and administrative support will be provided upon request to support activities such as workshops.

Program Requirements and Funding Level: IDEA Scholars will spend four weeks at the Flatiron Institute (longer visits may be possible). They may come for one long visit or multiple visits of at least one week each, spread over a period of up to two years. Travel expenses will be covered and a stipend will be provided to pay for local expenses. A fixed supplement to support caregiving responsibilities can be requested. Approximately 6 visitors per year will be selected across the Flatiron Institute. Scholars may propose to have a junior colleague, such as a student or postdoc, accompany them for part or all of their visit to FI, and expenses will be covered for this visit as well.

IDEA scholars will be invited to present a lecture on their research to the FI community, and may be offered the opportunity to optionally participate in public outreach activities organized by the Simons Foundation. Scholars will be expected to submit a brief exit report on their activities while in residence at FI.

Eligibility: IDEA Scholars must hold the rank of at least assistant professor, or the equivalent, in a scientific discipline, though they need not be computational scientists. Applicants should have strong potential scientific overlap or synergy with staff at one or more of the Flatiron Centers, and a demonstrated interest in and commitment to DEI.

Required Application Materials: The following materials should be submitted no later than November 30, 2021, for visits starting from September 2022-August 2023. Invitations will be extended by early February 2022.

1. Completed Application Form

2. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages) and publication list

3. Proposal: A statement of up to 2 pages on potential areas for scientific collaboration, and which centers and staff members the applicant is interested in interacting with at FI. Applicants may describe their interests and past engagement in DEI issues, and optionally may propose activities that they wish to organize or participate in while in residence at FI.

4. Names and contact information for three references

Please apply and submit all materials through the web portal here.

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/Do1kd1Se2AYVFYr2horEG

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