MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Applications Now Being Accepted!

The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about “real-life” practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are: 1) To provide trainees with an opportunity to acquire practical and theoretical skills in data science. 2) To facilitate exchange of expertise and knowledge in data science across Faculties.

MacDATA Institute will provide support funding for one Graduate Fellow to work on an 8 month multidisciplinary project involving two or more faculties. The proposal must fit the mission of MacDATA Institute and the project must be related to data (e.g., data analysis, collection, curation, etc.). We encourage the Graduate Fellow’s work to align with the student’s graduate research/work. Students must be co-supervised by two or more faculty members from two or more faculties, and at least one of the co-supervisors must be a member of MacData. Ideally, one faculty member will be an expert in data and another a content expert. MacDATA will provide $7,500 in funding support for a Graduate Fellow, payable in two installments of $3,750. It is expected that the research will be carried out during the period May 2018 to December 2018, in which case the installments will normally be paid in May 2018 and September 2018.

Expectations and Deliverables

• Participation in MacDATA activities and events
• A research presentation
• A report at the conclusion of the fellowship that details project outcomes and outlines next steps

Application Process

A complete application includes the following:

1. A project proposal (1500 words maximum all inclusive) that provides: (i) a description of the research work and its goals, its interdisciplinary nature; (ii) methodology including the type of data and how you will access it and what data analytics tools will be used; (iii) the significance of your work and how it fits within your graduate research program.
2. A current C.V.
3. A list of two referees.

Submitting your application

Please submit your application as a PDF attached in a single e-mail and include your last name in all of your filenames.

Applications should be sent to macdata@mcmaster.ca by 5pm on April 6th, 2018. Please include ‘MacDATA Graduate Fellowship’ in the subject line.