Over the last decade, the BDP program has charted an innovative course for interdisciplinarity in research and scholarship at Johns Hopkins and in higher education. Now Hopkins’ impact will be further enhanced by incorporating BDPs as a signature element of our new initiative to harness emerging opportunities and address challenges presented by the explosion of available data and the rapid rise of AI technologies.
Purpose:
Thirty new BDPs will be recruited to act as human bridges in data science and AI through dual-appointments. Bringing depth and breadth in both data science and AI and one or more other areas of application, these BDPs will weave data science, data-driven research, and AI even more fully into the fabric and future of the university, integrate diverse application domain knowledge into the data science and AI initiative, and transform discovery and innovation in areas such as medicine, energy, public policy, society, the humanities, climate, public health, business, and education.
As you consider possible clusters, we encourage you to consult with colleagues and leadership across the university. Proposals are strongly encouraged from every corner of the institution. Each BDP cluster will focus on advancing a specific interdisciplinary research area closely tied to data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence. The goal is to address urgent global challenges by bringing together BDPs with a shared focus on translating these technologies into practical solutions within carefully chosen domains. By concentrating on distinct fields, the BDP clusters strive to make targeted and impactful contributions, solving real-world problems and effectively translating technological progress into practical applications.
Commitment:
We anticipate that each research cluster will be composed of 3-4 BDPs at the associate or full professor level. A handful of positions will be held for investment in targeted hires. We expect the majority of the appointments to be between the Whiting School of Engineering and another academic division or APL; however, joint appointments outside of Whiting will be considered based on the research scope of the BDP. The BDP can hold their administrative home in either school depending on the academic case.
The clusters will include investment by the participating departments or schools through start-up packages, salary support, infrastructure investments, and more. Junior hires will not be pre-assigned to these clusters; additional faculty lines can be added to the recruitment packages based on the specific needs and requests of the candidates.
Consider best practices for cluster hiring when crafting your cluster research area. Your input in this process is invaluable. Proposals are strongly encouraged from every corner of the institution.
Still have questions? Check out our 2024 BDP Cluster Proposals Frequently Asked Questions.
Anticipated Timeline:
November 2023 – Call for clusters released
December 6, 2023 – Virtual Community Town Hall – View Town Hall Recording | Download Town Hall FAQ | Download Presentation Slides
February 19, 2024 – Cluster letters of intent due – InfoReady Submission Portal | [Submit via Email]
LOI Requirements:
February 2024 – Internal review of cluster LOIs
Mid-March, 2024 – Invitation for full proposals
April 22, 2024 – Full cluster proposals due
April-May 2024 – Review and proposed selection of cluster proposals by distinguished external committee
Summer 2024 – Final selection of clusters
Prerequisites:
Evaluation (scored 1-5):
[Downloadable PDF version of Cluster Proposal Submission Instructions]
[InfoReady Submission Portal] | [Submit via Email]
LOI Requirements:
I. Cluster title
II. Cluster leads: 2-4 faculty who will organize the cluster searches with assistance from the BDP team
Attachments:
III. Vision for the cluster (2 pages, 11+ font, 1 inch margins)
IV. Three (3) potential BDP names. These candidates should not be contacted; they should exemplify the recruits the team would pursue. (2 pages maximum, 11+ font, 1 inch margins)
For each candidate:
Potential BDP list must be reflective of the diversity and inclusion policy of the institution (University Statement / Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion)
V. Ten (10) colleagues from at least two schools/divisions supporting the cluster recruitment (required: three department chairs/directors/heads among the group)
Invited teams will receive a link to the full proposal submission portal in late February.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vice Provost for Research
265 Garland Hall
3400 North Charles Street
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(443) 927-1957