The URISC@SC17 event has passed. Please watch our website for current and future opportunities!

Applications were to have been received by September 11, 2017

Read about URISC@SC17 on the STEM-Trek site.

Eligibility

Cybersecurity professionals, HPC systems administrators, educators, researchers, tech project managers, and network engineers who are responsible for securing research computing systems and data at sub-Saharan African and U.S. colleges and universities in resource-constrained regions are welcome to apply. We are especially eager to receive applications from women and others from demographics that are under-represented in STEM academics and careers. Applicants must be at least age 21 by November 1, 2017, and work at least 50 percent of the time in a professional support role helping students, faculty and staff leverage locally-hosted, or remotely-accessed advanced cyberinfrastructure for education and open research.

To Apply

A curriculum vitae or resume, head-shot photograph and a brief biography (200 words) should be included with a cover letter, adviser’s recommendation letter and a copy of an identification card. US applicants may provide a photocopy of their driver’s license, or state or university-issued identification card. African applicants must provide a photocopy of their passport photo page. International travelers are responsible for securing their own visas (where applicable), and must have at least two blank pages in their passport.

We expect the process will be competitive. Therefore, cover letters must provide a justification for why the applicant should be supported, and how they intend to pay-it-forward—include specific and unique reasons.

The adviser’s letter of recommendation should declare their support and describe how the university (or host institution) will benefit from the activity, that the applicant’s release time from work is approved, and how the individual intends to share what they have learned with others. For example, they might teach a workshop, conduct a seminar, or mentor students who are following a relevant academic path.

Application Checklist

  1. Cover letter.
  2. Photo ID copy (or passport photo page).
  3. Professional photograph/head shot. By providing your photo, you acknowledge that STEM-Trek, and its collaborators, may use it for publicity purposes on the public website, and any communications collateral developed for the activity. Photos will be taken during the activity will also be used for promotional purposes unless you officially opt out (see number 7).
  4. Letter of recommendation (faculty, adviser or supervisor).
  5. CV/Resume (2-pages maximum).
  6. Brief biography explaining the applicant’s experience and interests (as they relate to HPC; in addition to what is already on their CV/Resume).
  7. Two brief essays (300 words, or one-page total):
    1. “How will this experience benefit me?” and “What are my expectations for this experience?”
    2. “How does the delegate intend to pay-it-forward at home?” (STEM-Trek encourages participants to provide a pay-it-forward proposal that describes how participants intend to share new information with others or how they can contribute in some other meaningful way that supports STEM-Trek objectives).
  8. If you do NOT authorize your photo to be used for publicity purposes, you must still provide a photograph with your application. Explain your reasons for opting out, and ask your adviser/supervisor to support the business case for anonymity in their letter of support.
  9. Delegates must purchase their own travel health insurance if their primary insurance does not cover travel. Proof of health insurance coverage is required before flights will be arranged.
  10. Non-US delegates are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas.
  11. All applicants must sign the URISC @SC17 Code of Conduct which, by signing, indicates they agree to treat others with respect, be on time and attend all planned activities (including sponsored dinners). Travel awards and/or reimbursements are contingent upon delegates’ conduct.

Selections will be made by a multinational committee of volunteer reviewers led by Elizabeth Leake (STEM-Trek); the strongest applicants will be offered travel support.

Applications with .jpg and .doc (MSWord) attachments must be received by info@stem-trek.org no later than September 11, 2017. Please use the subject line: APPLICATION FOR URISC@SC17

Award notification letters will issued on or before September 25, 2017. Final awards are contingent upon the success of our fundraising efforts.