Last year, the Computing Community Consortium (CCC) & CRA’s Government Affairs Committee held it’s first Leadership in Science Policy Institute (LiSPI) to help nurture the next generation of computing research leaders. A total of 35 participants attended the institute, which featured a series of presentations from science policy experts, current and former Hill staff, and relevant agency and Administration officials. Topics covered included the mechanics of the legislative process, serving on advisory committees, and interfacing with Federal agencies.

Today we are pleased to announce the second Leadership in Science Policy Institute (LiSPI), which will be held April 11-12, 2013 in Washington, DC. Please discuss this opportunity with your colleagues, identify those you believe would be interested in participating, and submit nominations!

More information on LiSPI below —

LiSPI participants are expected to:

• complete a reading assignment and a short written homework prior to attending the workshop, so that time spent at the workshop can focus on more advanced content,

• attend the April 11-12th 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 of local expenses (hotel, meals) for the April 11-12 workshops. Nominees are expected to pay their own travel expenses, though there will be a limited fund available for participants who cannot attend unless their travel is provided.

 Eligibility and Nomination Process

LiSPI participants are expected to have the experience and flexibility in current positions to engage with government. University faculty members should be from CS or IS departments and be post-tenure; industrial researchers should have comparable seniority. Participants should be 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 – nomination page 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 nominees must be received by December 14, 2012.

Visit the LiSPI wesbite to learn more about this event.

(Contributed by Kenneth Hines, CCC Program Associate)