How to Apply

How to Apply

Fellowship proposals must be jointly written with an NCSA collaborator and should be submitted via EasyChair. (See EasyChair instructions).

Proposals will be peer reviewed with particular attention to the scientific merit of the work, evidence of collaboration between Illinois faculty and NCSA staff, and plans and prospects for future funding.

Proposals can be submitted by collaborative teams or by individuals.

Proposals due Jan. 31, 2013.

Collaborative Research Proposals

Research proposals must include Illinois faculty from a variety of disciplines who are working collaboratively to address areas relevant to NCSA's strategic plan, including the exploration of large data sets, genomics, and innovative computing. Proposals should include a description of the innovative nature of the research and how this team is well suited to tackle the problem at hand.

Proposals should be no more than 10 pages, consisting of:

  • Project summary (suggested length: 1 page)
  • Problem statement and potential impact (suggested length: 2-3 pages)
  • Approach (including a description of the innovation of the research) (suggested length: 2-3 pages)
  • Need for collaboration (including how this team is well suited to tackle the problem at hand) (suggested length: 1-2 pages)
  • Plans for continuation (e.g., submit proposals, other funding) (suggested length: 1 page)
  • Milestones (suggested length: ½ page)

Proposals should also include a budget and budget justification and may include references; these materials are not included in the 10-page limit.

Budgetary Guidance

Collaborative Research Proposals can include up to $100,000 in support over 12 months, with the possibility of renewal and additional funding after demonstrated progress. Fellowship funds can be used for the following purposes:

  • Adjustment of teaching responsibilities, to be negotiated with department heads or chairs
  • Research assistant support (GRA, postdoc, etc.)
  • Travel support — maximum of $4,500 for conference travel or travel to other sites
  • Faculty summer salary
  • NCSA research and staff time

Fellows must have an active, close collaboration with NCSA researchers and staff for the duration of the fellowship, and funds for a portion of NCSA staff salary buyout must be included in the proposal budget to assure their participation. Project budgets do not need to include benefits, tuition remission, or overheads.

NOTE: When submitting collaborative proposals, please include "Collaborative Proposal:" in the proposal title.

Individual Investigator Proposal

Individual fellowship proposals must be jointly written with an NCSA collaborator. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of experts, based on review criteria similar to those used at the National Science Foundation.

Proposals should be no more than six pages, consisting of:

  • Project summary (suggested length: ½ page)
  • Problem statement and potential impact (suggested length: 1-2 pages)
  • Approach (suggested length: 1-2 pages)
  • Need for collaboration (suggested length: ½ page)
  • Plans for continuation (e.g., submit proposals, other funding) (suggested length: ½ page)
  • Milestones (suggested length: ½ page)

Proposals should also include a budget and budget justification and may include references; these are not included in the six-page limit.

Budgetary Guidance

Individual fellowships can include up to $25,000 in support over 12 months. Follow-on funding for previously funded fellowships will be considered only in cases where additional funding is required to complete or develop a proposal for an active or imminent RFP.

Fellowship funds can be used for the following purposes:

  • Adjustment of teaching responsibilities, to be negotiated with department heads or chairs
  • Research assistant support (GRA, postdoc, etc.)
  • Travel support — maximum of $1,500 for conference travel or travel to other sites
  • Faculty summer salary
  • NCSA research and staff time

Fellows must have an active, close collaboration with NCSA researchers and staff for the duration of the fellowship, and funds for a portion of NCSA staff salary buyout must be included in the proposal budget to assure their participation. Project budgets do not need to include benefits, tuition remission, or overheads.

EasyChair Submission Instructions

If you do not have an EasyChair account, see the instructions for creating an account.

Once you have an EasyChair account you can access the IACAT Fall 2012 site.

Read the "Overview" information, and then click on "New Submission."

  • Fill in at least all the required information indicated by (*)
  • Fill in the information on the author(s)
  • Fill in the title in plain text ((NOTE: When submitting collaborative proposals, please include "Collaborative Proposal:" in the title.)
  • Fill in the abstract in plain text
  • Fill in at least three keywords for searching if desired

Upload a PDF of your proposal or click the "Abstract Only" box under "Upload Paper."

When you have completed the form, press Submit to submit your proposal. Press submit only ONCE. It will take time to upload the submission.