Program Overview

Program Overview

The Stanford Data Science Scholars program is a two-year opportunity for current Stanford PhD students from all disciplines who contribute to data-intensive science. The program provides 50% of the scholar's compensation to support their research and requires participation in weekly team sessions.

Program Details

Eligibility

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must be current PhD students who have finished their qualifying exams and have at least two years left in their program in any of Stanford University's Schools, departments, or research organizations.

Funding and Benefits

Scholars are provided with 50% of their compensation over two years, beginning in the Fall Quarter of the year of admission. Funding for the second year is conditional upon the scholar's adequate participation during the first year. In addition to funding support, the program provides a common working space, mentorship opportunities, and an energetic atmosphere that encourages innovative thinking.

Application Procedure

Eligible candidates can apply by submitting a CV, letter of intent, and optional additional material. The application period is generally April - May each year, and final decisions are expected in mid-summer.

Criteria for Selection

To qualify for selection, the letter of intent must address three criteria:

1. Planned research: What are the goals of your research? How do they relate to the broader goals of the discipline?
2. Benefits from participating in the Scholars' community: How will you take advantage of the unique community of motivated and cooperative researchers from a diverse range of disciplines?
3. Contribution to the Scholars' community and beyond: What relevant activities and interests do you have, past, current, and planned, that will contribute to building the joint community and beyond?

Requirements

• Work on data science-related research projects
  • Regular attendance in weekly scholar's seminars, events, and lectures
  • Participation and leadership in various campus-wide data science activities and projects

Optional

• Field trips to local data science-oriented companies and nonprofits
  • Work with Research Data Scientists and Software Engineers on campus to create and extend open-source research software

Program Structure

The program is designed to enable scholars to make extra progress in their research, which includes topics of vital importance to the future. The weekly team sessions are an essential component of the program, allowing scholars to report on their research, engage in organized discussions, and participate in community-building projects.

Benefits

• 50% financial support for up to two years
• Additional $2,000 / year research support stipend
• Coworking space, including monitors and standing desks, with Data Science Scholars
• Connection with faculty, students, and post-docs involved in Stanford Data Science
• Help shape the future of data science at Stanford
• Build a life-long community of data science practitioners using advanced techniques to conduct breakthrough research

Continuing in the Program

Second-year participation in the program is contingent upon a review at the end of the first year. Participation in joint activities each quarter, in particular the weekly meetings, is critical to the overall value of the Scholars' program. Scholars may ask to "pause" their participation temporarily, on a single-quarter basis, with financial support reduced corresponding to the absence.