Note: The RFP in Spring 2026 is only for the Thinking Machines theme. Additional themes will be announced in the Fall 2026 semester.
The Data Science Institute invites Columbia faculty, research scientists, and senior research scientists to submit proposals for new programming as part of Frontiers in Data Science and AI, a university-wide initiative designed to catalyze interdisciplinary inquiry and surface emerging research questions. Each year, Frontiers will spotlight a set of timely themes and support faculty-led symposia, panels, workshops, hackathons, and other formats that advance scholarship across schools and disciplines.
Through both financial and in-kind support, Frontiers can help you launch new intellectual exchanges, test ideas that cut across fields, and convene collaborators around pressing challenges at the intersection of data science and AI. If you have a concept that could benefit from institutional backing, whether exploratory, convening-based, experimental, or cross-school, DSI encourages you to apply.
DSI currently welcomes proposals on the theme listed below. This theme is accompanied by optional sample questions that may help shape a program agenda, but faculty are encouraged to frame their ideas broadly and draw from the full range of Columbia’s research strengths. Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final submission deadline of Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Contact Alexis Avedisian, Director of Events and Marketing (aa4598@columbia.edu) for questions.
• What are the mathematical structures underlying reasoning, learning, and decision-making?
• Can we formalize generalization, abstraction, and transfer in precise mathematical terms?
• How do topology, geometry, and logic shape the theoretical landscape of AI?
• Can machines generate and test hypotheses in a scientifically meaningful way?
• How can we integrate uncertainty, causality, and narrative into scientific reasoning powered by AI?
• What does it mean for an AI system to “understand” something—and how can we evaluate that claim?
• How do we test the reliability, replicability, and reproducibility of scientific evidence generated or evaluated by AI?
Proposed programming should support the Institute’s interdisciplinary mission by fostering vibrant communities, creating space for exchange of knowledge and insights, and promoting collaborative research with potential for future funding.
To achieve our goals, we are seeking proposals for programming that:
Proposals can include a wide range of programming including: seminars, workshops, conferences, hackathons or other programs for the Columbia community. See format suggestions in the FAQ section.
Proposals can include a wide range of programming including: seminars, workshops, conferences, hackathons or other programs for the Columbia community.
See eligibility requirements and other details below. Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Proposals will be evaluated by the DSI Executive Committee based on:
Please note that some proposals may be conditionally approved with some suggested revisions. These could include revision to intended participants, format of programming, budget scope, and/or timing.
Please see our FAQs for more information.
Full-time faculty, senior research scientists, and research scientists are eligible to submit proposals. PhD students, postdocs and associate research scientists are not eligible to submit proposals on their own but can be collaborators. Please note that the proposer is expected to be actively engaged and responsive throughout the process for event planning and day-of execution.
Programming can take many different formats, including but not limited to:
• Seminar series
• Hackathons or datathons
• Interdisciplinary panel discussions
• Research roundtables
• Symposia or workshops
• Full-day conferences or large-scale programs
If you don’t have specific or singular ideas on how to format the programming, our events staff can help you shape your programming to have an impact. Most important are the core ideas, goals, desired outcomes, and thematic connections behind your proposal. You are also welcome to reach out to Alexis Avedisian (aa4598@columbia.edu) to discuss event proposal ideas.
Additionally, your proposal may be approved with suggestions for refinement—such as adjusting the format or collaborating with another proposer whose ideas complement yours. The next FAQ includes a synopsis of each common event format.
A synopsis of each style of event is included below for reference and consideration:
Seminar series: Typically features a single speaker per session, delivered on a recurring schedule (e.g., weekly or monthly). These sessions are usually 60–90 minutes and can include a talk, Q&A, and light reception.
Hackathons or datathons: Multi-hour or multi-day events where participants form teams, work with a shared dataset or challenge prompt, and present outcomes at the end. They require advance planning for sizable spaces, data access, mentors/judges, and recruiting participants.
Interdisciplinary panel discussions: Brings together 3–5 speakers for a moderated conversation lasting 60–75 minutes, followed by audience Q&A. This format requires a strong moderator, balanced representation of perspectives, and clear thematic focus.
Research roundtables: Roundtables are small-group discussions designed for active exchange rather than formal presentations. Sessions could include short talks from 3 or more speakers who can present new and ongoing work, or simply a guided group conversation with a central facilitator.
Symposia or workshop: Combine multiple short talks, panel discussions, presentations, and breakout discussions, often over a half-day program. They often include multiple speakers, a structured agenda, and facilitated dialogue.
Full-day conferences or large-scale programs: These are high-capacity, multi-session events that may include keynotes, panels, and posters. They require significant lead time, cross-team coordination, and support for external speakers or partners.
Each selected proposal will be funded up to $15,000 to support the execution of thematic programming, subject to budget development and confirmation. Funds may be used for:
• Travel and lodging for invited guests; honoraria for speakers will not be covered.
• Modest catering for in-person events
• Event expenses such as venue rental, custodial, AV services, and setup fees.
• Please see the budget template here.
Please see the budget template here.
PI salaries are not eligible costs, although in some instances salary support for a Columbia-based student worker will be considered, depending on the breadth of the program.
Funds will be retained by the DSI and expenses will be reconciled against the budget.
• Funding may be only used for Institute-approved activities and may not be carried over to new activities without approval.
• Funding may not be used as salary support for PIs. Please note that in some instances salary support for a Columbia-based student worker will be considered, depending on the breadth of the program.
• DSI will provide in-kind support in the form of publicity, communication, and event marketing, so funding should not be applied to these resources.
The number of proposals funded will depend on the available annual budget along with the allotted funding approved for each proposal.
Please note that some proposals may be conditionally approved with suggested revisions. These revisions could involve changes to the proposed participants, program format, budget scope, or timing. A variety of factors may drive these recommendations—for example, aligning your proposal with other events scheduled throughout the year, leveraging existing resources or partnerships to enhance programming, or adjusting cost estimates based on our experience with similar events.
Awarded Semester (Program Planning)
Week 1 – 2: Kickoff Meeting
Meet with the DSI events team to review goals, ideal format, audience, and event cadence. Establish roles, communications, and next steps.
Week 2 – 3: Identify Dates & Collaborator Alignment
Identify target dates to hold the events and confirm availability with collaborators, co-organizers, or key faculty partners.
Week 4 – 5: Finalize Program Dates
Finalize the dates of the programming based on availability of key partners, collaborators, or speakers and in collaboration with other awarded proposals and scheduled DSI event programs.
Weeks 6 – 9: Program Development
Refine the program structure, session format, and speakers. Identify, invite, and confirm speakers while drafting session descriptions and event agendas. Attend meetings with DSI events staff to refine the program.
Week 10: Finalize Program Details
Finalize the event overview and schedule and gather any required speaker materials. Confirm travel arrangements for visiting speakers. Discuss and map early stage logistics such as ideal venues, room size, and ability to reserve spaces early.
Following Semester (Program Launch and Execution)
Weeks 1 – 2: Venue, Space Booking, and Budget Review
Secure campus spaces and confirm room setups, audiovisual needs, and any space-related constraints. Please note that many spaces across Columbia are only bookable once course schedules are finalized by the Registrar.
Weeks 2 – 3: Registration Launch & Marketing
Open registration and initiate outreach across DSI channels, faculty networks, and school or departmental partners.
Concurrent: Logistical Coordination
Finalize catering, AV, signage, and materials. Confirm all day-of operational details.
Program Launch
Events take place throughout the semester according to the finalized schedule. The DSI events team supports execution, coordination, and follow-up to ensure a smooth and high-impact program launch.