Overview
As part of its mission to develop a next generation of leaders in the computing research community, CRA's Computing Community Consortium (CCC) offers the CCC Leadership in Science Policy Institute (LiSPI), intended to educate a small cadre of computing researchers on how science policy in the U.S. is formulated and how our government works.
LiSPI is centered around a one-day workshop held in Washington, DC, that features presentations and discussions with science policy experts, current and former Hill staff, and relevant agency and Administration personnel about mechanics of the legislative process, interacting with agencies, advisory committees, and the federal case for computing.
Here is a list of Sessions and Speakers and Slides
LiSPI participants are expected to:
- complete a short lesson describing the basic structure and function of government (a sort of "Civics 101" assignment) prior to attending the workshop, so that time spent at the workshop can focus on more advanced content,
- attend the November 7 workshop, which includes breakfast and lunch, as well as a reception with the speakers and invited guests at the conclusion of the day, and
- complete a small-group assignment afterwards that puts to use the workshop content on a CCC-inspired problem - perhaps writing an argument in favor of particular initiative for an agency audience, or drafting sample testimony on a CCC topic.
LiSPI is not intended for individuals who wish to undertake research on science policy, become science policy fellows, or take permanent positions in Washington, DC. Rather, we are trying to reach work-a-day academics and researchers who appreciate that our field must be engaged in helping government.
This page describes the first (and most recent) LiSPI, held on November 7, 2011. Watch for announcements for the next Institute in this space.
CCC Blog and CRN Articles
Logistics
The CCC will provide funds for hotel accommodations for two nights (before and after the workshop), meals, as well as airfare and other travel expenses in connection with attending the November 7 workshop.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
LiSPI participants are expected to be tenured academics from Computer Science or Information Science departments or permanent staff of industrial computing research laboratories who are adept at communicating. They must be nominated by their chair or department head and must have demonstrated an interest in science policy, especially as it relates to computer science (and closely allied fields).
Specifically, the nomination process will be as follows:
- A chair or department head my propose an LiSPI candidate by visiting - http://www.cra.org/ccc/spi_nomination.php and providing the name and institution of the nominee, along with a letter of recommendation.
- The candidate will then be contacted by the CCC and asked to submit a CV, a short essay detailing their interests in science policy, and an indication of whether they would require financial aid to attend.
All nominations and material from nominees must be received by May 15, 2011.
Selection Process
The LiSPI selection committee will evaluate each nomination based on record of accomplishment, proven ability to communicate, and promise. Selections will be announced by June 15, 2011. Funding is available for approximately 15 participants in this initial LiSPI offering.
Please discuss this opportunity with your colleagues, identify those you believe would be interested in participating, and submit nominations here!
