Imperial’s Data Science Institute and its sister institute at LSE launched a small grant scheme to promote collaboration in data science research.

The DSI Squared Research Grants Scheme will consider applications for grants to fund data science research and research-related activities (including dissemination of findings and public outreach) and is part of a joint effort between the LSE Data Science Institute and the Data Science Institute at Imperial College.

Earlier this month, the two DSIs launched the new grant scheme at a networking event held at LSE. This grant scheme is the latest addition to the ongoing collaboration between the two institutes known as DSI Squared. 

When it comes to data science research and its impact, the LSE’s strengths in the social sciences naturally complement Imperial’s strengths in science, technology, and medicine. As such, a condition of the application is that it involves at least one member of staff from each institution. 

To facilitate collaboration between institutions, the two DSIs will organise several events each year to match researchers with interests in collaborative data science research projects.

"We are really pleased to be launching this new grant scheme as part of our ongoing collaboration with LSE. Hopefully, this funding can promote some exciting collaborative projects in data science research across many different disciplines, bringing together Imperial's expertise in science, engineering and maths with LSE's strengths in the social sciences." Dr Mark Kennedy DSI Co-Director

DSI Co-Director Dr Mark Kennedy said: “We are really pleased to be launching this new grant scheme as part of our ongoing collaboration with LSE.

"Hopefully, this funding can promote some exciting collaborative projects in data science research across many different disciplines, bringing together Imperial's expertise in science, engineering and maths with LSE's strengths in the social sciences.”

Co-Director of LSE's DSI Dr Ken Benoit added: "The cooperation between our two institutes is a unique partnership approaching data science from two distinct and complementary perspectives. The small grant scheme and our ongoing collaboration is designed to seed world-leading research that bridges disciplines and approaches to tackle some of the world's most important and pressing challenges."

Eligibility requirements and criteria

The new research grants scheme is open to any DSI Affiliate including DSI Members from both Imperial and LSE, alongside outside Research Fellows.

In order to maximise the opportunity for collaboration, all applications must include members from both the London School of Economics AND Imperial College London.

Applications can be submitted in two main categories:

• Small Grants, including pump-priming projects, topping-up of ongoing projects, and bridging between external grants.
• Conferences and workshops. Applications in support of conferences to be held at the LSE or at ICL would receive priority over applications to attend conferences outside of these institutions.

Applicants may submit multiple separate applications in each round and funding is considered up to a maximum of £5,000.

More information on the scheme and how to apply can be found here.