Data Science Rotation for Advancing Discovery Trip
(RoAD-Trip)
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The BD2K Training Coordinating Center (TCC) has developed the Data Science Rotations for Advancing Discovery (RoAD Trip) program to specifically foster new collaborations among junior biomedical researchers and senior-level data scientists to address the challenge of translating complex data into new knowledge.
Biomedical and behavioral Big Data has the potential to advance our knowledge of public health and the world we live in today; however, massive or unstructured data sets can be difficult to analyze using traditional databases and software techniques. This obstacle has inspired the creation of the RoAD Trip program, which entails fellowship support for a minimum 2-week scientific rotation at U.S. research universities with advanced data science resources. We are seeking applications from junior-level researchers who possess unique and compelling biomedical data sets, who will be matched with senior-level data scientists with mentoring skills, access to technology, and other resources to assist with novel data analyses. New collaborations between scientists who have not worked together previously will significantly increase the chances of making exciting new discoveries having major impact.
Our program is entitled Data Science RoAD Trip because we aim to invite selected junior investigators to “take to the road” to collaborate with senior data science mentors at one of many eligible research universities across the United States. After rotations have ended, and project progress reports have been submitted, a $4000 stipend will be granted to RoAD Trip fellows. Mentors will be awarded a $1000 stipend. Eligible stipend recipients include US citizens who are not affiliated with USC or the US government. Individuals with a visa status for study in the US, and/or who have an affiliation with USC or federal government are welcome to participate but are ineligible for a stipend award.
There will be a 2-phase application process. During the first phase, the proposal review team will use research abstracts, reported experience, interests and needed resources, to compile a list of possible compatible junior fellows and senior mentors. Fellows and mentors will be offered the opportunity to “like” each other on the provided list of compatible matches, and the review team will finalize the “matching” process. During the second phase, biomedical scientists and mentors will be asked to jointly submit a Research Plan. Learn more about the Data Science RoAD Trip here .
This program will be highly competitive and we anticipate only being able to select up to ten RoAD Trip projects per year. The RoAD Trip will bring Biomedical and Data Scientists together to share individual expertise and collaborate on biomedical research that may lead to a variety of opportunities: a presentation at a national or international conference, a new grant proposal, or a publication. Through this program, junior investigators will make important connections with more senior scientists which can foster new biomedical discoveries, whereas the more senior data scientists gain access to novel data types ripe for computational modeling, analysis, and visualization.