The Data Science Institute (DSI) aims to foster and grow a cohort of highly-engaged affiliates that reflects a diversity of interests and research activities within the scope of our mission and vision.
Who’s eligible?
UW-Madison faculty and academic staff are eligible to become affiliated members of DSI. Affiliates should be actively engaged in foundational or use-inspired research relevant to data science and aligned with the DSI mission and vision. DSI emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration and approaches, and we welcome affiliates from departments and centers across campus.
Affiliate appointments are renewable, three-year terms.
What are the benefits?
DSI Affiliates are eligible for the following unique benefits:
- Public recognition through a DSI Affiliates listing on this website
- Flexible funds for data science research or travel (details will depend on the DSI annual budget)
- Staff support for coordinating and marketing events (lectures, workshops, etc.) branded or co-branded with DSI
- Priority access to DSI computational resources (e.g., storage, GPUs)
- Priority access to DSI meeting facilities and hotel office space
- Promotion of your relevant work through the DSI website, social media, and publications
What are the expectations?
During a three-year term, DSI Affiliates are expected to contribute to DSI research and operations by fulfilling at least two of the criteria listed below:
- Present (or have a student or postdoc present) at a DSI-sponsored event (e.g., the Research Bazaar, SILO Seminar (IFDS), or ML+X Forum)
- Develop grant proposals that include DSI staff as co-PIs or senior personnel
- Co-author a DSI-relevant publication with the DSI director, research staff, or other DSI affiliates
- Collaborate with DSI to foster fairness, inclusion, and belonging in data science
- Mentor a DSI-affiliated postdoc
- Serve on a DSI committee or working group
- Serve as a reviewer for a DSI internal funding competition
How do I apply?
The application process is the same for new and renewing DSI Affiliates:
- Submit the 2026 DSI Affiliates application form
- You will need to sign in to your UW–Madison Google Drive account to access this form.
- Upload your CV to Box by emailing it as an attachment to 2025_26.l93u0wptk5xa4twx@u.box.com
Applications are due March 27. Applicants will be notified as to the status of their applications before the end of the semester.
The number of affiliates is limited, and we may not be able to accept all applicants. We seek a cohort of highly-engaged affiliates who bring a diversity of interests and research activities.
Questions? Contact DSI at research@datascience.wisc.edu.
Apply to be a DSI Affiliate
The application window for the next cohort of DSI Affiliates is open. Applications are due March 27.
Scroll down for application instructions.