Data Science Institute Seed Fund Cohort 9 2026

PI Contact Information
Contact Information: Principal Investigators (PIs) and Collaborators

Eligibility Requirements
- Each proposal must have a minimum of two Columbia University faculty collaborators who are PI-eligible according to the Columbia University Policy.
- Projects should represent new collaborations (PIs have not previously worked together) and new research areas.
- Postdoctoral researchers may not serve as a PI for this seed award.
PI #1: Name*

First NameLast Name
PI #1: Email*
PI #1: School*
PI #1: Department*
PI #1: Title*
PI #1: Phone Number
PI #2: Name*

First NameLast Name
PI #2: Email*
PI #2: School*
PI #2: Department*
PI #2: Title*
PI #2: Phone Number
Add Another PI?*

YESNO
PI #3: Name*

First NameLast Name
PI #3: Email*
PI #3: School*
PI #3: Department*
PI #3: Title*
PI #3: Phone Number
Add additional collaborators?*

YESNO
If you would like to add additional collaborators, please list below.
Please provide name, email, school and department for each additional contact.
Have the main PIs on this project previously collaborated together?*

YesNo

Project Overview
Project Overview

Please Note: There are no limits on any of the form fields. Please provide as much detail as needed to fully answer each question.
Title of Proposal*
Please provide a brief summary of the project, including objectives, significance, and expected outcomes. *
Note: We encourage you to provide as much relevant detail as needed to explain your research proposal to the review committee. Responses should not exceed three pages.
Please explain how the proposed project represents novel research.*

Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Describe the interdisciplinary nature of your project. Which domains and data science techniques are being integrated?*
How will the collaboration between different disciplines enhance the research outcomes?*

Impact
Program Goals

The DSI Seed Fund Program aims to advance research that brings together data science and domain expertise in new collaborations between Columbia faculty. Our goal is to foster long-term and deep interdisciplinary research relationships across the University, and to drive promising research initiatives forward.

The Data Science Institute is currently inviting new proposals for the Seed Fund Program, focused on these University strategic priority areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Climate
- Mental Health
- Social Justice
How does this proposal align with goals of the DSI Seed Fund program. *
Does the project align with one or more of the following priority areas: AI, Climate, Mental Health, Columbia Local, Social Justice? (Select all that apply)*

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ClimateMental HealthSocial JusticeNone
Please explain the project's significance and potential impact. *

Project Timeline and Milestones
Provide a detailed timeline for your project, including key milestones and deliverables.*

Budget
Budget
- Funding Amount: Up to $125,000
- Funding Period: One year of funding will be awarded (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
Funding Guidlines

Funding may be used for, but is not limited to:
- Operating supplies
- Equipment
- Travel directly related to research
- Publication costs
- Seed funds may be used to support the hiring of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and student assistants.
Restrictions

Program funding cannot be used for:
- Faculty salary support, including summer salary support
- Salary support for DSI Research Scientists. Although DSI Research Scientists can participate on proposal teams, their salary support is already covered by the Institute.
- Salary support for project partners external to Columbia University
DSI Seed Fund Budget Template (google sheet)

DSI Seed Fund Budget Template (PDF)
Budget Narrative: Please provide a detailed explanation justifying the proposed budget, including the rationale behind each cost item.*
Budget: Please provide a proposed detailed budget.*

PDF documents preferred
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Why is the DSI Seed Funding essential to the success of this project?*

External Funding Plan
External Funding

The goal of the Data Science Institute Seeds Fund Program is to support new collaborations that will lead to longer term and deeper relationships among faculty in different disciplines across Columbia University. We expect that this seed money will provide a basis for your team to submit larger proposals, and, we ask that you submit external funding proposals and opportunities related to this research through the Data Science Institute.
Please outline your strategy for securing future funding for this project, with an emphasis on pursuing large-scale funding opportunities. In your response, identify the specific external funding sources you plan to target and provide a detailed timeline for your application process.*

Additional Information
Additional Information
1. CVs for PIs and collaborators (two-page, NSF-style format)
2. Supporting Materials: Please use the section below to upload any additional materials you would like the review committee to consider. (optional)
3. Department Administrator Contact Information: Please provide contact information for a department administrator that may help process the seed funding.
CVs: Please upload the CVs for the PIs and collaborators (two-page, NSF-style format).*

PDF documents preferred
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Supporting Materials (optional)

PDF documents preferred
Cancelof
Department Administrator Name*

First NameLast Name
Department Administrator Email*
example@example.com
Department Administrator Phone*

Data Science Institute Seed Fund Program