Types of Proposals
Working Groups
WORKING GROUPS
Working Groups involve small groups of scientists (10-12 participants) collaborating intensively on the analysis or synthesis of data, models or both, to address a major question in evolutionary biology. The working groups will typically meet 3-4 times over two years, with each meeting lasting 3-7 days; however the number of participants, number of meetings, and duration of each meeting is flexible, depending on the needs and goals of the group.
Meetings should focus on synthetic scientific or educational research in evolutionary biology. For more information about educational programs at NESCent, please contact Brian Wiegmann, Associate Director for Education and Outreach.
Meetings will occur at NESCent facilities in Durham, NC. Support includes travel, lodging and per diem. No salary support is provided, and no overhead is allowed. Awardees do not receive an actual budget. NESCent will handle the budgetary needs for all meeting expenses (hotel, airfare, meals, break food, shuttles, taxis, parking, etc.). Working groups may request additional funding up to $3000 in support of their activities. Examples might include for funds for data entry, publication costs or travel by PIs to related meetings. Requests should include the proposed amount, use of funds and justification for how this will enable or enhance the group's goals. Specific guidelines will be provided with award information.
NESCent will not fund collection of new data or field research, but encourages the mining of public and private databases. Products from working groups might include (but are not restricted to):
- Synthetic papers and reviews
- Databases allowing others to build on your foundation
- Software or mathematical tools that solve a major analytical problem
NESCent is committed to making data, databases, software and other products that are developed as part of NESCent activities available to the broader scientific community. Applicants should review the Data And Software Policy for NESCent.
Proposals for working groups will be evaluated by the following criteria:
- The project addresses an important evolutionary question. Applications are encouraged for "risky" endeavors, so while there should be a reasonable chance of success, questions do not need to be "cut and dried."
- The project reflects NESCent’s mission to facilitate synthesis and analysis of existing data, and cannot be readily supported by other funding mechanisms or opportunities.
- Sufficient data are available to tackle the question. Appropriate analytical tools are also available, or will be developed during the working group project.
- The qualifications and diversity of the participating scientists.
Before You Apply
All applicants are encouraged contact Kathleen Smith, Director of NESCent or Joel Kingsolver, Associate Director of Science and Synthesis, for feedback on project ideas. Please review our Conflict of Interest and Data And Software policies before applying. For technical support, write to help@nescent.org.
