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Visiting Scholars Program

The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology invites scholars to apply to its Visiting Scholars Program. The goal of this program is to enhance collaborations between biological and mathematical scientists and to stimulate creative thinking and interdisciplinary science.

The Visiting Scholars Program allows visitors from outside Northwestern University and the University of Chicago to engage deeply with the NITMB. This can take a number of different forms, with examples including (but not limited to):

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  • Concentrated research teams, in which 3-6 scholars from multiple institutions gather at the NITMB for one to two weeks to focus intently on an ambitious joint research project. These teams may apply to return in subsequent years to continue their collaborations.

  • Long-term sabbatical stays for faculty. 

  • Visiting collaborations for trainees*, in which they would embed with NITMB researchers and work on a joint project, lasting anywhere between a week and a full quarter. *PhD candidates or postdoctoral scholars.

  • Recurring local visitors are local Chicagoland scholars wishing to engage in NITMB activities on a regular cadence, such as once a week, with a flexible approach intended to meet the needs of faculty of teaching-intensive institutions.

  • Post-workshop synthesis meetings, in which past NITMB workshop participants return to the NITMB to continue work on a project catalyzed at the workshop or prepare, for example, a review article or perspective piece on a workshop topic. We envision such synthesis workshops taking place within the year following a workshop to develop an emerging research direction.​

Tatyana Sharpee presents in front of a video screen

Tatyana Sharpee, Salk Institute, presents at the Emerging Directions Workshop on February 21, 2023.

When applying to the Visiting Scholars Program, you will describe the format and duration of your proposed program and explain how it will support your research agenda. Through the Visiting Scholars Program, the NITMB may cover transportation and housing expenses or some salary support, depending on the nature of the visit. NITMB also provides office space and meeting rooms for Visiting Scholars. 

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NITMB Visiting Scholar applications are open to all areas of pure and applied mathematics and all areas of basic biological sciences. (Medical and clinical sciences are not supported by the NITMB.) We welcome mathematicians in areas of mathematics that have not traditionally been used in biological contexts or who wish to learn more about opportunities for mathematics in the biological sciences.

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A major goal of NITMB is to broaden participation and increase diversity in mathematics and biology. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment, that actively identifies and facilitates leadership opportunities for members of underrepresented and marginalized groups, empowers future leaders, and helps counter systemic inequality in STEM. Visiting Scholar Program proposals that increase the participation of underrepresented groups, junior researchers, and faculty from primarily undergraduate institutions will be prioritized.

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The NITMB Visiting Scholars program supports both short-term and long-term visitors. Short-term visitors can participate in the program for up to 9 days. Long-term visitors can participate in the program from 10 days to up to 6 months.

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Any questions about how to develop a Visiting Scholars Program proposal should be directed to Cat Rodl (crodl@uchicago.edu).

Eligibility

Faculty, research faculty, technical staff, postdoctoral scholars, and enrolled Ph.D. candidates from research institutions or national laboratories in the U.S. and abroad are eligible to apply. Must hold an active appointment and be paid by their institution. Ongoing research activity in either biology or mathematics/theory is a criterion. Applicants from teaching-intensive colleges, minority-serving institutions, and non-PhD granting institutions are encouraged to apply.

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Application

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. To submit your application, use this form and upload your pdfs. The formatting of all documents should be in 11-point font, single-spaced, with minimum 0.5-inch margins. â€‹Note: The review process runs from three to four weeks. After acceptance, the processing time may take up to six months for international or non-resident visitors and up to two months for domestic visitors. Please consider this timing when submitting your application.

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Materials required for submission:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (5-page limit)

  2. Statement of Purpose (instructions below)

  3. (For trainees only) Letter of Institutional Support from a department chair (for faculty) or principal investigator or direct supervisor (for other applicants)

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Statement of Purpose: Please provide a justification for a visiting scholar appointment by answering the following questions. Limit of 2 pages. Embedded figures are acceptable.

  • What are your research interests at the interface of mathematics and biology?

  • What length(s) of time would you like to stay?

  • What is it you would like to achieve while at the NITMB?

  • What expertise and knowledge do you provide to enrich the NITMB?

  • Are you requesting financial assistance for housing?  If so, please describe your housing needs.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. For additional information, please see the Universities' Statements on Diversity.

Northwestern University's Statement on Diversity

University of Chicago's Statement on Diversity

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Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the Universities’ Notices of Nondiscrimination.

Northwestern University's Notice of Nondiscrimination

University of Chicago's Notice of Nondiscrimination

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