Data Science Institute Affiliates: Program Details

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 the 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:

• Serve as a reviewer for DSI internal funding competitions (e.g., the American Family Funding Initiative) or mentor an applicant for these competitions
• 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 serve historically minoritized communities and foster fairness, equity, and inclusion in data science
• Mentor a DSI-affiliated postdoc
• Serve on a DSI committee or working group (a list of opportunities is forthcoming)

How do I apply?

The application window for the next cohort of DSI Affiliates will open in fall 2025. We are not currently accepting applications.

Applicants will be notified as to the status of their applications by February 2026.

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.