Proposal for Thematic Programs

Open Call for Pre-Proposals for Thematic Programs

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is excited to continue Thematic Programs as part of its Visiting Program, with this call for Pre-Proposals for Thematic Programs in FY2025/26.

OIST's Visiting Program was launched in June 2021, with the goal of bringing leading theoretical researchers to OIST for extended visits. In keeping with OIST's interdisciplinary mission, the program spans all fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, and life sciences.

Thematic Programs (TPs) are expected to be held at OIST for 1 to 2 months. This call is for TPs to be held in Fiscal Year 2025 or 2026 (i.e. between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2027). TPs will be hosted by a group of two or more researchers (coordinators) who will be invited to stay at OIST for the duration of the TP. Successful proposals will be provided with the financial and administrative support needed to bring participants to OIST, 4-8 of whom are expected to be present at any one time. Where it fits the goals and timeframe of the program, a symposium linked to the program can be hosted at OIST.

Please include the following in your Pre-Proposal (download template docx, pdf)

1. A document (1 page) briefly outlining the theme of the Thematic Program, its intellectual background, and the opportunity for progress in this area (please use the template docx, pdf).
2. The intended duration of the program, and preferred timeframe, e.g. “summer 2025”. (Precise dates are not required at this stage)
3. Links to a Profile Page of each researcher who will act as coordinator of the Thematic Program (e.g. Personal Website, Google Scholar, Web of Science; or CV as pdf file).
4. A list of researchers who would be willing, in principle, to participate in the program, if funded. Coordinators are encouraged to consider diversity in terms of gender balance, participants from underrepresented groups, and academic career stage.
5. Optional: A title and abstract for a linked symposium of up to 60 participants.

All programs are subject to the availability of funding. To be considered for this call’s funding the proposed Thematic Program should be held between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2027. TPs do not need to be sponsored by an OIST Research Unit, or directly connected to research in OIST.

Applications received by August 31^st, 2024 are guaranteed full consideration. Invitations to submit full proposals will be sent no later than October.

Apply through Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/148919

Please make sure that you can receive emails from tsvp [at] oist.jp and noreply [at] interfolio.com.
(applications by email are not accepted)

Evaluation criteria

1. Scientific quality and expected impact of the proposed research
2. Benefit to OIST, e.g. through interactions with and across OIST Units
3. Interdisciplinarity, i.e. contribution to dialogue between different research fields
4. Considerations of diversity and spread of academic career stages
5. Planned outreach and teaching activity, e.g. general-audience lectures, seminars, (mini) courses, career talks, activities for children/at schools

Informal inquiries are welcome: please contact Dr Jonas Fischer at tsvp@oist.jp
Please also check this page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding proposals/applications.

Declaration

OIST is an institution with no departments, which aims to eliminate barriers between people working in different fields. We are an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to enhancing and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the university community. As such, we are actively working to increase the diversity of our faculty, students, and staff, and cultivating an environment where all members can thrive and are valued. We have implemented policies to engender and cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. These include supporting dual career couples, gender-neutral facilities, pro-active equity-focused policies including “stop-the-clock” options, an on-site bilingual childcare facility and after-school programs, an on-site health center, and relocation and post-arrival support. Further details can be found at https://www.oist.jp/.

OIST is actively seeking applications from women and underrepresented groups.
OIST is deeply committed to the advancement of diversity in science, in Japan and worldwide.