Call for Research Theme Proposals

Research Themes can range from broad areas within AI and future computing technologies to more focused research challenges. Teams are encouraged to identify a significant or “grand challenge” that can be meaningfully addressed through interdisciplinary collaboration over a five-year period.

No. Proposed themes may focus on foundational AI research, future computing technologies or AI-enabled applications across a range of fields. Teams should focus on significant research challenges and demonstrate how the proposed work aligns with DPI’s mission and creates opportunities for impact in Chicago.

The Chicago connection is a central consideration in the call. Proposals should clearly explain why the research would benefit from being conducted through DPI in Chicago rather than solely in Urbana-Champaign.

Teams should identify relevant Chicago-based partners, collaborators, industries, infrastructure or other resources that could strengthen the proposed research.

No. Faculty are not expected to be based in Chicago full-time. However, selected Research Themes are expected to have a meaningful presence at DPI and engage with Chicago stakeholders.

DPI Fellows or Assistant Research Scientists supporting selected themes are expected to be based in Chicago, helping establish a physical and intellectual presence for the research team at DPI.

Yes. The core team should come from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty, while research scientists and other researchers may participate as members of the broader research team.

Yes. The core team should come from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Researchers from other institutions may participate as collaborators or partners.

The call suggests approximately four to five faculty as a general guideline. This is not intended as a strict maximum. Larger teams may be appropriate when the scale or scope of a grand challenge requires additional expertise.

Teams should be structured so that participating faculty can remain actively engaged in the Research Theme.

Research Themes should involve faculty from at least two academic departments, with additional departments or disciplines encouraged when appropriate to the research challenge.

The goal is meaningful interdisciplinarity rather than simply assembling a large number of participating units.

DPI is currently anticipating supporting approximately five Research Themes in the initial cycle, depending on the quality of proposals and available resources.

DPI also hopes to repeat the Research Theme proposal process as the institute grows.

Teams should develop a five-year vision for their Research Theme. Proposals should describe how the team expects to develop the research, build partnerships and pursue additional funding over that period.

Each selected Research Theme will be eligible for one DPI Fellow. The Fellow may be a Postdoctoral Associate or Assistant Research Scientist.

The Fellow is intended to help advance the research program, develop future proposals and build toward additional external funding. The Fellow will be based in Chicago to help establish the Research Theme’s presence at DPI.

The DPI Fellow will be hired through DPI. The selected Research Theme team will participate in identifying and interviewing the Fellow.

Initial support is anticipated for two years, with the possibility of a third year based on progress.

Teams should think beyond occasional meetings in Chicago. Selected Research Themes are expected to establish a tangible intellectual presence at DPI and engage with Chicago stakeholders.

This could include collaboration with industry, national laboratories, entrepreneurs, students, healthcare organizations or other Chicago-based partners and communities.

DPI is working with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) to provide access to petascale computing resources.

Depending on the research area, teams may also have opportunities to engage with quantum computing infrastructure and related resources connected to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and the National Quantum Algorithms Center.

Research Themes may engage with students through DPI’s Chicago-based educational programs. Opportunities discussed at the Town Hall include the Master of Computer Science program in Chicago, City Scholars and summer internship pathways.

Teams can consider how student engagement could contribute to their research program and broader educational mission.

Yes. DPI can connect selected Research Themes with Chicago’s industry and national laboratory ecosystem as well as venture capital, entrepreneurship resources, testbeds and datasets.

Teams should consider which Chicago-based relationships and resources could advance their research and contribute to the broader Chicago innovation ecosystem.

Responsible AI is a major area of emphasis for DPI. Depending on the proposed research, teams are encouraged to consider dimensions such as AI safety, ethics, human-centered interfaces and environmental sustainability.

Responsible AI is intended to be considered across the proposed research areas rather than treated as a separate program area.

No. Research Themes can address technical, societal and interdisciplinary challenges. Teams should consider the broader scientific or societal challenge they want to address and assemble the expertise needed to tackle it.

Teams should develop a longer-term vision for how the Research Theme can grow beyond DPI’s initial seed support. This includes pursuing external funding, developing partnerships and building sustained intellectual contributions in Chicago.

DPI’s goal is for the initial investment to help Research Themes develop into larger, sustainable research programs.

A strong proposal should identify a significant research challenge that can benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration and demonstrate a compelling connection to Chicago.

Teams should articulate a clear five-year vision and explain how DPI’s resources, partnerships and physical presence in Chicago can help advance the work.

The strongest proposals will demonstrate both impact in Chicago and value for Urbana-Champaign.