Research

Convergent Research Themes (CRT) Program

CDSI's CRT Program provides funding for convergent research—areas where research fields have the potential to overlap and expand in new and innovative ways—where computational and data systems are central.

Overview

Exploratory Phase

Supports teams starting new collaborations who are in the initial stages of exploring a convergent theme. Emphasis is on encouraging and empowering new, unconventional, cross-disciplinary conversations to determine potential collaborative research directions and their feasibility.

The Exploratory Phase stream is eligible for up to $10,000 in funding.

Proof of Concept

Supports well-established, multidisciplinary teams working in a well-defined convergent theme to take their ideas to the next stage. Emphasis is on implementing a short program with a set of deliverables demonstrating the potential for a long-term research program.

The Proof of Concept stream is eligible for up to $20,000 in funding.

Selection Criteria

Only complete proposal packages submitted by the full application deadline will be reviewed.

Applications are evaluated based on:

A clear demonstration of the CRT program objectives, including

the convergent nature of the research
engaging computing, data, and systems at the core of the proposed research
through a multi-domain team

The quality, novelty, and feasibility of the research idea, convergent approach, and associated mechanisms
A high potential for an evolution into further collaborations and future impact through next steps
Team composition, both in terms of domains necessary to address identified challenges and diversity and inclusion