Proposing SAMSI Programs

SAMSI is delighted to receive ideas from the national statistical and applied mathematical sciences communities for future SAMSI programs, either full academic-year research programs or shorter summer research programs (2 to 4 weeks). Please see the past and current research programs for an idea as to the scope of SAMSI programs. Note, in particular, that SAMSI does not conduct isolated workshops.

The programming process begins with preproposals, which can take any form. At the end of this document is a brief discussion of the type of information that is particularly helpful in a preproposal, although it is not expected that a preproposal will necessarily provide all of this information; exciting ideas are the most important thing!

If a pre-proposal is deemed to have possibilities as a SAMSI program, it is developed into a full proposal, typically with input from the SAMSI Directorate and SAMSI advisory bodies. This programming process is outlined below, along with factors that affect the final decision as to implementation of the program. The descriptions of current programs on the SAMSI Web site (www.samsi.info) provide insight as to the possibilities inherent in SAMSI programs.

Proposal Timeline: Preproposals can be submitted at any time, but the target date is September 30 two years in advance of the academic year in which the program would be held. Preproposals that suggest particularly urgent programs can be fast tracked.

Preproposals are discussed by the Directors, the National Advisory Committee, the Local Development Committee, and outside experts if necessary. Those that are deemed particularly promising are further developed by all parties, with the full Proposal due in March. Selection from among the full Proposals takes place in April, sixteen months before the start of the program year.

Considerations in Program Selection :

• Impact on the statistical and mathematical sciences and their interface
• Timeliness
• Qualifications and commitment of program leaders
• Impact on cross-disciplinary research - especially the span of the scientific problems covered and likelihood of significant technology transfer
• Breadth of development of human resources, including the extent of diversity
• Effects on education
• Availability of leveraging funds

Helpful Pre-Proposal Content

Scientific Description: This should outline the basic idea of the program, emphasizing impacts on statistics, mathematics, and cross-disciplinary sciences. (Programs need not involve all three, but it is desirable that they do so.)

It is not expected that specific foci of the program will have already been determined - indeed, this is typically the goal of the program development stage of the process - but suggestions for foci are welcome. These might be particular problems that are of interest, or broad themes that might be addressed during the course of the program.

If it is planned to incorporate testbed examples or data sets into the program, some indication as to their nature would be helpful. Discussion of the relationship of these examples or data sets to the broader themes of the program would also be beneficial.

Pilot or Planning Workshops: SAMSI seeks original programs that will often operate in domains or on cross-disciplinary interfaces that are not well understood, so it is not expected that a pre-proposal contain a clear scientific vision. Indeed, as part of the developmental process for a program, it might be beneficial to hold a pilot workshop to determine if viable directions for a SAMSI program exist. Once a program has been selected, it might be desirable to hold a planning workshop, to formulate the precise foci of the program. If you feel that either of these would be necessary, please so indicate.

Program Scope, Timing and Activities: The proposed duration of the program should be indicated, and possible timing of the program given (i.e., is a particular semester preferable?). Some indication of the proposed activities in the program are welcome (workshops, courses, study groups . . .), especially as they relate to the proposed science.

Program Outcome: Provide at least some indication as to the hoped-for outcomes of the program.

Program Leadership: Programs have at least one leader from outside the Research Triangle. It would be helpful if both national and local leadership for the program have been identified, but selection can also be done during the developmental phase.

The Program Leaders subsequently choose an enlarged Scientific Committee, to help with the planning of the scientific program. It is not expected that these individuals will have been identified at the pre-proposal stage, but possible names are welcome.

Program Participants: Please provide with names of key potential participants, so that we can gauge the breadth of interest of the program. While a program must have broad national interest, it will ideally also have local appeal.

If you expect involvement in the program of industry, government labs or agencies, or other organizations, please indicate possible organizational participants.

Potential Leveraging Funds: We encourage efforts to obtain additional funding for SAMSI programs. For instance, obtaining additional funding for workshops is often feasible, and can greatly enlarge the possible participation at workshops. Please indicate the possibilities of obtaining such funding. (Note that SAMSI will be happy to work with you in this regard.)

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