Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (formerly MSRI)

Program ID: SLMath-ADJOINT2 [#1666]
Program Title: Self-ADJOINT 2025
Program Location: Berkeley, California 94720, United States of America
Subject Area: Mathematics
Application Deadline: 2025/02/04 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2024/09/04, updated 2024/08/26, listed until 2025/02/04)
Program Description:    

Description: 

ADJOINT is a yearlong program that provides opportunities for U.S. mathematicians – especially those from the African Diaspora – to conduct collaborative research on topics at the forefront of the mathematical and statistical sciences

The Self-ADJOINT program invites applications from existing or newly-formed independent research groups to participate in an intensive two-week summer session at SLMath (formerly MSRI) June 30 to July 11, 2025. Throughout the following academic year, the program will provide conference and travel support to increase opportunities for collaboration, maximize researcher visibility, and engender a sense of community among participants.  

ADJOINT enriches the mathematical and statistical sciences as a whole by providing a platform for researchers, especially members of the African-American mathematical and statistical communities, to advance their research and careers and deepen their engagement with the broader research community. 

During the workshop, each participant will: 

  • conduct research at SLMath
  • participate in professional enhancement activities provided by the onsite ADJOINT Director 

  • receive funding for two weeks of lodging, meals and incidentals, and one round-trip travel to Berkeley, CA 

After the two-week workshop, each participant will:

  • have the opportunity to further their research project with the team members
  • have access to funding (up to $2,000 per person) to attend conference(s) or to meet with other team members to pursue the research project or to present results 
  • become part of a network of research and career mentors


Eligibility: 

  • Groups of no less than three members (three to five participants are preferred) should submit one joint application for the group.

  • Each member of the group must have a Ph.D. in the mathematical or statistical sciences.

  • All team members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents based in the U.S.

  • All members must be in residence and actively engaged in the program 8:30 am - 5 pm daily (without teaching, mentoring, or other professional responsibilities) for its duration:  June 30 to July 11, 2025.  

  • Researchers may be part of only one group’s application.


Application Requirements:

Applications require a Project Description, a statement on alignment with program goals, as well as additional information.


Project Description: The project description should not exceed two pages, should be aimed at a broad mathematical audience, and must contain the following:

  • A brief history of the collaboration (if applicable)

  • The broader mathematical context and motivation for the research area

  • A description of the goals, impact, and specific research problems to be addressed

  • If applicable, a description of the partial results already obtained

  • A timeline for the project, including the research that will be accomplished before, during, and after the two-week residency at SLMath

Statement on Alignment with Program Goals: The statement on alignment with program goals should not exceed two pages.  This statement should describe why the proposed group and collaboration fits with the aims of the program which are to:


“Provide space, funding, and the opportunity for in-person collaboration to small groups of mathematicians, especially members of the African Diaspora, whose ongoing research may have been disproportionately affected by various obstacles including professional isolation, heavy teaching or administrative workloads, lack of access to funding, and/or family obligations


Through this effort, SLMath aims to mitigate the obstacles faced by these groups, improve the odds of research project completion, and deepen their research experience. The goal of this program is to enhance the mathematical sciences as a whole by positively affecting the research and careers of all of its participants and assisting their efforts to maintain involvement in the research community.”  


In particular, this statement should describe how participation in ADJOINT will positively affect the careers of each participant. 


If you prefer not to share information regarding obstacles you may have overcome with respect to your career, you may focus on the latter half of the above goals statement.


Additional Information: In addition to the Project Description and Statement on Alignment with Program Goals, the following information is required:
  • A list of all members on the research team, including home institution, email address, confirmation of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, year of PhD, and current position. Please include gender, racial, and ethnic identification of each member of the research team. This demographic information is voluntary and will enable us to measure our progress with respect to our mission. Please note that this information is reported only on an aggregated basis and is not an individual factor in decision-making.  

  • A biographical sketch (following NSF format) of no more than three pages for each of the team members.  Each sketch should include no more than 10 publications relevant to the proposed projects

  • If applicable, a list of Mathematics Subject Classification Codes (primary and secondary)

  • A list of keywords


Selection Process:

In evaluating proposals, preference may be given to teams whose members come from a variety of institutions, teams made up of members at various stages of their careers, and proposals related to core mathematics and the statistical sciences. The impact on the careers of members of the African Diaspora will be an important factor in making the final decisions.


Funding:

The following support will be provided:

  • Lodging at a hotel in Downtown Berkeley designated by SLMath

  • All meals

  • Reimbursement of travel expenses to and from Berkeley

  • $2,000 per person for post-programmatic travel

  • To allow visitors to fully participate in its scientific activities, SLMath is pleased to be able to offer Childcare Grants to researchers with children under the age of 18. SLMath prides itself on welcoming mathematicians and statisticians from all backgrounds and on actively promoting the participation of members from groups historically underrepresented in the mathematical and statistical sciences. We encourage members of these groups to apply for family support grants. Historically underrepresented groups include women, Native Americans, African Americans, Latinxs/Hispanics, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBT+ community.

  • Space permitting, mathematicians and statisticians who are spouses or partners of invited group members will be offered shared office space.

ADJOINT Program Directors

Dr. Caleb Ashley, (Boston College)

Dr. Naiomi Cameron (Spelman College) - 2025 site director

Dr. Edray Goins (Pomona College)

Dr. Donald E.K. Martin (North Carolina State University)

Dr. Anisah Nu’Man (Spelman College)


The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) has been supported from its origins by the National Science Foundation, joined by the National Security Agency, over 100 Academic Sponsor departments, by a range of private foundations, and by generous and farsighted individuals.

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Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Project Description (should not exceed two pages)
  • Statement on alignment with program goals (should not exceed two pages)
  • List of members on the research team, including all information listed above
  • For each member of the group, a biographical sketch of no more than three pages

Further Info:
www.slmath.org
email address
510-642-5055
 
Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute
17 Gauss Way
Berkeley CA 94720-5070