As part of its mission to help nurture a next generation of computing research leaders, the Computing Community Consortium today announced a call for participants in a first-ever Leadership in Science Policy Institute (LiSPI) — to be held on Monday, November 7, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

The goal of the LiSPI, co-organized by CRA’s Government Affairs Committee, is to educate a small cadre of computing researchers — at the associate professor or higher level — about how science policy is formulated in the U.S. and how our government works.  In particular, the LiSPI will feature presentations and discussions with science policy experts, current and former Hill staff, and relevant agency and Administration officials about the mechanics of the legislative process, serving on advisory committees, and interfacing with Federal agencies.  (A tentative LiSPI agenda is available here.)

The CCC will cover participants’ travel.

Nominations by department chairs for prospective attendees must be submitted online by May 15th.

More details from the official call for participants, excerpted below:

LiSPI participants are expected to

 

• complete a short lesson describing the basic structure and function of government (a sort of “Civics 101” assignment) prior to attending the workshop, so that time spent at the workshop can focus on more advanced content;
• attend the November 7 workshop, which includes breakfast and lunch, as well as a reception with the speakers and invited guests at the conclusion of the day; and
• complete a small-group assignment afterwards that puts to use the workshop content on a CCC-inspired problem—perhaps writing an argument in favor of particular initiative for an agency audience, or drafting sample testimony on a CCC topic.

 

LiSPI is not intended for individuals who wish to undertake research on science policy, become science policy fellows, or take permanent positions in Washington, DC.  Rather, we are trying to reach work-a-day academics who appreciate that our field must be engaged in helping government.

 

The CCC will provide funds for hotel accommodations for two nights (before and after the workshop), meals, as well as airfare and other travel expenses in connection with attending the November 7 workshop.

 

Eligibility and Nomination Process

 

LiSPI participants are expected to be tenured academics from Computer Science or Information Science departments who are adept at communicating.  They must be nominated by their chair or department head and must have demonstrated an interest in science policy, especially as it relates to computer science (and closely allied fields).

 

Specifically, the nomination process is as follows:

 

• A chair or department head proposes a LiSPI candidate by visiting http://www.cra.org/ccc/spi_nomination.php and providing the name and institution of the nominee, along with a letter of recommendation.
• The candidate will then be contacted by the CCC and asked to submit a CV, a short essay detailing their interests in science policy, and an indication of whether they would require financial aid to attend.

 

All nominations and material from nominators and nominees must be received by May 15, 2011.

 

Selection Process

 

The LiSPI selection committee will evaluate each nomination based on record of accomplishment, proven ability to communicate, and promise. Selections will be announced by June 15,  2011.  Funding is available for approximately 15 participants in this initial LiSPI offering.

Visit the CCC’s LiSPI website to learn more about this event.

(Contributed by Erwin Gianchandani, CCC Director)