The DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program (DSI-BIDS) connects Columbia faculty and students for semester-long collaborations to advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, data science, and biomedical imaging. By pairing faculty-led projects with student expertise, DSI-BIDS provides meaningful research opportunities while supporting innovative approaches to personalized medicine.

Process Overview

The DSI-BIDS program provides faculty researchers with access to skilled data science students, as well as administrative and financial support for student hiring and onboarding. This allows faculty participants to focus on their research, mentorship and collaboration goals.

Eligibility

  • Team Structure: At least two Columbia Principal Investigators (PIs) (one PhD + one MD).
  • CIMBID Member: One PI must be affiliated with CIMBID.
  • Project Scope: Must align with CIMBID’s mission and focus on AI/biomedical imaging.

PI Commitments

  • Mentorship: The primary PI on each project must commit to mentor the selected student for a minimum of 1 hour per week during the project cycle. Student researchers are expected to commit about 10 hours per week on the project during the spring and fall semesters. 
  • Publication: PIs must articulate a clear path for students to be included as co-authors on relevant publications.
  • Funding: PIs will receive partial funding from CIMBID and DSI (approximately $2,520) to support a student researcher. PIs are expected to provide the remaining balance (approximately $1,260) for an estimated 140 hours of student work.

Proposal Selection Criteria

  • Alignment with CIMBID’s mission and biomedical imaging research
  • Interdisciplinary team structure (PhD + MD, including CIMBID member)
  • Feasibility for a 1-semester student project

Faculty Application Process

1. Prepare and submit your project proposals by August 5, 2026. Please indicate the name, UNI, degree type and affiliation of each PI. You will be notified within 1 month if your project has been selected. 

2. DSI staff will curate and share the application materials of up to 10 students who may be a good match for your project’s needs. Our staff will also coordinate the interview process for up to 5 student applicants of your choosing from the applicant pool. 

3. You will benefit from administrative support for your scholar’s hiring and onboarding allowing you to both benefit from the unique skills and allowing you to focus on mentorship and project guidance. In turn, Scholars gain meaningful hands-on experience while contributing to the success of your research project.

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Faculty FAQs

What is the DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program?

The DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program (DSI-BIDS) connects Columbia faculty with data science students to advance interdisciplinary research in AI and biomedical imaging while providing students with hands-on research experience.

How do I participate in this program?

Complete the Faculty Application before the August 5, 2026, deadline. While late applications are not accepted, if you miss the deadline for a given semester you are welcome to submit your project for consideration the next term.

Who is eligible to apply?

Faculty teams must include at least two Columbia PIs (one PhD and one MD), with at least one PI affiliated with CIMBID. Projects must align with CIMBID’s mission.

Can non-Columbia researchers participate in this program?

Researchers external from Columbia may be listed as collaborators on a project. PI’s must be from Columbia. 

What types of projects are a good fit?

Projects should focus on AI, data science, and biomedical imaging and be feasible for meaningful student contribution within one semester.

How are proposals evaluated?

Selection is based on mission alignment, interdisciplinary team structure, and feasibility for a one-semester project. Please see the Proposal Selection Criteria for more details.

Do I need my own funding to participate in the DSI-BIDS program?

Yes. PIs will receive partial support (approximately $2,520) from CIMBID and DSI to fund a student researcher and are expected to cover the remaining balance (approximately $1,260) for an estimated 140 hours.

How many students are supported per project?

Typically, one student researcher is assigned per project.

How are students selected?

The BIDS team manages the recruitment process, while faculty PIs are responsible for reviewing matched applications, conducting interviews, and selecting a student researcher within the provided timeframe.

Where do I apply?

Faculty Proposal Submission Form: Apply Here.

Contact

Program Email: dsi-bids@columbia.edu.