2020 Science Proposal
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[edit] Towards 2020 science: modelling and predicting in biology and earth sciences
Call for Proposals, Microsolt External Research Office
[edit] Goals and objectives
We are inviting proposals which are aimed at creating prototypes of new kinds of conceptual and technological tools - tools that are motivated by a specific need in scientific research and with the potential to significantly advance science. Priority will be given to investigations into two broad global challenges:
- Earth’s Life Support System including both abiotic subsystems (e.g. geophysics and climate research) and biotic subsystems (e.g. biodiversity and ecosystems), and their interaction.
- Biology in a broad sense, including synthetic, systems and organismic biology.
From a computational perspective the following methods of handling complexity and integrating theory, experiment and models are of major importance:
- Statistical approaches, in particular machine learning, to predict the properties and behaviour of a system when the complexity of the domain, or the absence of sufficiently precise models at the appropriate level of description, prohibit a first-principles simulation with any current or conceivable future level of computational resource. Also, the development of machine learning tools suitable for the informed analysis of vast and/or heterogeneous datasets to assist in hypothesis generation.
- Codification of scientific knowledge about complex systems, i.e. turning knowledge into a coded representation, in terms of data or programs, that is mechanically executable and analysable, or made suitable for efficient and informed modelling.
The output of funded proposals should include:
- New software tools that compile easily and reliably on the Microsoft platform and are interoperable with other platforms.
- Papers or reports that include examples of application of the tool(s) to real-world scientific problems.
Thus, we are also willing to support the development of prototype tools from existing research endeavours, in addition to new research projects. Projects will typically be one year in duration. Microsoft Research will support up to 10 proposals for research grants from € 50,000 up to € 250,000.
[edit] Eligibility and rules
- The proposing institution must be an accredited university or research institute with non-profit status.
- Proposals that are incomplete, inaccurate, request funds in excess of the maximum award available or otherwise do not comply with the terms and conditions will, at the sole discretion of Microsoft Research, be excluded from consideration.
- The payment of awards will only be made to institutions. Personal or business accounts will not be accepted.
- Confidential materials should not be submitted in response to this Call for proposals.
- Successful applicants will be subject to the terms and conditions of the research project agreement
- Decisions will be made solely at the discretion of Microsoft Research.
[edit] Criteria and evaluation process
- Filled-in applications forms must be submitted online by 7 June 2006.
- All proposals received will be reviewed by Microsoft Research and eligible proposals will be evaluated by a board of subject-matter experts chosen by Microsoft Research, which will comprise Microsoft and non-Microsoft scientists.
Based on evaluations by the review board, Microsoft Research will select in its sole discretion up to 10 proposals for funding. Microsoft Research reserves the right to determine the exact amount of funding within the stated maximum amount for individual awards based on the agreed set of work packages.
All proposals will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:</p>
- Scientific merit and innovation, to include the quality, feasibility and originality of the research at the background of the proposal.
- Well-defined goals and objectives that, if achieved, have the potential to have a significant impact on a specified research domain. Please provide us with a detailed timeline including all important milestones.
- Qualifications of principal investigator, including successful completion of previous funded projects, awards, books published, etc.
- Co-funding by a national research funding agencies and/or industry. Please indicate if your project fits into a broader programme or is currently under consideration for public or private funding.
In the process of the review Microsoft Research may request additional information for certain projects and/or invite the respective project leaders to give a presentation at Microsoft Research in Cambridge.
Important dates
Submission deadline: 7 June 2006, midnight GMT
Invitation to presentation in Cambridge (if necessary): 29 August 2006
Presentations: 13-14 September 2006
Announcement of winners: 19 September 2006</p>
Presentation of certain of the projects at Microsoft Research Cambridge laboratory will take place on the 13 or 14 of September 2006. Project leaders should ensure that they will be able to travel to Cambridge these days. Microsoft Research will reimburse their reasonable travel expenses.
