Simons Collaborations in Mathematics and the Physical Sciences

The Simons Foundation has issued a call for proposals for their new program Simons Collaborations in Mathematics and the Physical Sciences.  The aim of the program is to “stimulate progress on fundamental scientific questions of major importance in the broad area of mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer science.”  An example is the Simons Collaboration on Algorithms and Geometry.

Grant sizes are up to $2.5m/year for 4 years (which can be extended to 7 years).  Letters of intent are due by October 31.

CATCS Presentation at STOC

Here is the CATCS Report from the STOC 2014 business meeting.  Of particular note are the following upcoming deadlines:

• 7/21: NSF CAREER program
• 7/28: Webinar about new NSF CRII program (3-4pm, register by 7/24)
• 8/1: Simons Institute proposals for 2016 Programs
• 9/5: ACM Fellow Nominations
• 9/19: NSF Medium-sized proposals to the Algorithmic Foundations or Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace programs
• 9/24: NSF CISE Research Initiation Initiative (CRII)
• late September/October: nominations for Simons Junior Fellows and Simons Investigators

The NSF CRII program is new and was discussed during the NSF presentation at STOC.  This program provides graduate student support for new faculty who have not received grants before. It can help one get a research program started and enable a more competitive submission to the CAREER program in the future.  Contrary to initial announcements, the program is not restricted to US citizens, permanent residents, and nationals.  More information can be obtained form the 7/28 webinar or by contacting the program directors.