Call for Participation
FARIA-ICSI International Researcher Fellowship
The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) and the Finnish-American Research and Innovation Accelerator (FARIA) invite applications from researchers, primarily doctoral researchers and postdocs, in computing and data sciences to apply for a research stay of 6 to 12 months at ICSI in Berkeley, California. This opportunity is open to researchers employed at the University of Helsinki or Aalto University via the FARIA-ICSI International Researcher Fellowship. Deadline: 11. October 2024
The International Computer Science Institute
The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is an independent non-profit research institute and an Affiliated Institute of the University of California at Berkeley. With a focus on scientific excellence and social impact, ICSI transcends disciplinary boundaries in computing and data sciences, and collaborates internationally and across sectors to inspire breakthroughs. Since 1988, we have pioneered interdisciplinary research across all areas of the computing and data sciences to generate fundamental insights, address societal challenges, and catalyze entrepreneurial opportunity. ISCI welcomes people from all over the world and across sectors. International collaboration is central to our mission, and we have hosted visiting scientists and more than 600 postdocs from five continents. Our research impact is strengthened by the diversity of our networks and by our differences in expertise, geographies, cultures, and perspectives. We believe diverse perspectives create the best ideas. We eschew discrimination and harassment, and cultivate an environment that welcomes women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people who are members of other underrepresented communities. ICSI is an ideal place to kick-start or accelerate your research career: > We cultivate a friendly and welcoming environment that makes collaboration easy. You’ll quickly become an integral part of the team. > Our researchers leverage strong ties with University of California at Berkeley, the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and the Silicon Valley ecosystem to bring great ideas to fruition in whatever way is best suited to the problem at hand. As a visiting Fellow at ICSI, you can access these top experts in computer science and AI to deepen your knowledge and inspire your next steps. > Having hosted more than 600 visitors from all over the world, we’re great at helping you obtain visas, find housing, and get everything you need to thrive during your time in California.
​​Research Areas of Interest
Candidates are especially encouraged to apply to collaborate with one of the following research groups at ICSI:
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AI & Big Data Group (Group Lead: Prof. Dr. Michael Mahoney): Focuses on the intersections of statistics and computer science, and of theory, implementations, and applications. The group uses methods from statistical mechanics theory of learning to solve practical problems in state-of-the-art neural networks. Recent work has focused on problems in astronomy, climate science, mass spec imaging, genetics, multimedia analysis, and social network analysis.
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Robust Deep Learning Group (Group Lead: Dr. Ben Erichson): Advances the deployment of deep learning models that are robust to various types of perturbations, including adversarial attacks, noisy data, and domain shifts. The RDL group is developing novel techniques for training deep neural networks that are resilient. Applications to domains including computer vision, natural language processing, and science and engineering.
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Internet, Networking & Systems Group (Group Leads: Prof. Dr. Scott Shenker and Prof. Dr. Sylvia Ratnasamy): Focuses on a broad set of topics ranging from networking protocols and Internet architecture to operating systems and distributed systems.
Additional participating ICSI researchers and ICSI-affiliated UC Berkeley faculty may be found on the ICSI Mentors page.
Program Benefits
Since 1988, ICSI has welcomed international researchers, offering a supportive environment for developing ideas and advancing projects. Through funding provided by Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, ICSI provides full hosting support, including office space, computing resources, and access to common areas for meetings and events. Researchers receive help with visas, including sponsorship and compliance assistance, as well as relocation support such as advice on where to find housing and local orientation upon arrival in Berkeley. ICSI also facilitates connections with scientific programs, workshops, and community resources at UC Berkeley to foster both personal and professional growth.
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Eligibility Criteria
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Eligible applicants are researchers, primarily doctoral researchers and postdocs, within the fields of computer science or a closely related field that aligns with ICSI research focus areas.
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Applicants must be affiliated with either the University of Helsinki or Aalto University.
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The proposed research in your application should align with at least one of the key research groups listed above.
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Applicants must have access to sufficient funding for travel and living expenses and acquire adequate insurance (e.g. via home institutions salary and project funding).
Application Process
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents:
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Project Interest Description/Motivation Letter: Outline your research interests, objectives for the visit, and how this opportunity aligns with your academic and professional goals, including a discussion of how your research interests align with the work of one of the ICSI research groups.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight your academic background, research experience, and key publications.
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List of references and their contact information
Please send your application materials via email to: finlandvisitor@icsi.berkeley.edu
For additional information or questions contact:
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Dr. Jérôme Rickmann for Aalto University staff or
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Dr. Mari Olafson Lundemo for University of Helsinki staff.
Please do not contact ICSI researchers and mentors directly at the first stage of the process. The FARIA-ICSI Selection Committee will facilitate making connections for candidates with ICSI researchers and affiliated mentors.
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Submission Deadline
This is a rolling call. To be considered for the first round of selections, please submit your application no later than October 11th, 2024. Further selection dates to be announced based on remaining capacity.
Review Process
Fellowships are highly competitive, involving a thorough merit review and selection process. Each application is read and scored by the FARIA-ICSI Selection Committee. Top candidates are interviewed and evaluated virtually via video conference. Finalists are invited to participate in the placement process with ICSI research groups and/or affiliated UC-Berkeley mentors. If there is a mutual match between a finalist and an ICSI research group or designated entity, then individuals will be selected as a FARIA-ICSI International Research Fellow and will be invited to visit ICSI for a 6- to 12- month research fellowship. Selected candidates receive ICSI hosting support. The selection committee will offer positions based on the applicant's qualifications and alignment with activities at ICSI or other designated entities, such as UC Berkeley departments. In most cases, this alignment will be based on shared scientific interests, with an important criterion being the mutual approval of both the applicant and the most suitable host scientist.