CDSSI Fellowship 2024-25: Digital Public Goods for Social Impact

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Application deadline 15th Jan 23

ISDM got seeded as an idea in early 2016 when its founders came together with a common vision to launch a first-of-its-kind educational institution that would develop and groom the next generation of professional leaders and managers for the development sector. ISDM envisions building Development Management as a stand-alone domain and an aspirational choice for professionals in the development sector.

ISDM’s Centre for Data Science and Social Impact (CDSSI) announces the CDSSI Fellowship 2024-25: Digital Public Goods for Social Impact.

The Fellowship is an exciting opportunity to use data and data science to create Digital Public Goods (DPGs) to address the unique needs of the social sector. These DPGs will be accessible to the general public, individuals, organisations, and other development sector stakeholders.

The CDSSI Fellowship 2024-25: Digital Public Goods for Social Impact offers Fellows the unique opportunity to develop Digital Public Goods (DPGs) to address the needs of the social sector. These DPGs will be accessible to the general public, individuals, organisations, and other development sector stakeholders.

Fellowship Details
  • 5 projects will be selected to participate in a 12-month-long Fellowship.
  • Fellows can participate either individually or in teams. Teams should submit one application, collectively.
  • Each Fellowship project must possess:
    1. data science skills
    2. deep social sector understanding

    Individual Fellows should possess both skillsets. For Fellows applying as a team, these skillsets can be distributed among members. For example, Team Member #1 may bring rich data science expertise, while Team Member #2 may bring years of experience in the social sector.

  • Mentor-guided Fellowship: A senior mentor will guide the Fellow(s). Fellows must identify the mentors they want to work with (industry professionals, academics, social/public sector professionals, etc).
  • Real-life data: The DPG will be crafted using open/public data or data owned by a Social Purpose Organisation (SPOs such as NGOs, non-profit organisations, social enterprises, etc.). If the DPG project is based on data from an SPO, Fellows must obtain the datasets directly from the SPO.

  • The deadline for submitting applications is 15th January 2024.
  • The CDSSI Fellowship 2024-25: Digital Public Goods for Social Impact commences on 6th February 2024.
  • Each Fellowship project will be granted a remuneration of INR 12 lakhs. This sum will be distributed among the Fellow(s) involved in the project.

Fellowship Structure

  • The Fellowship begins on 6th February 2024 with an orientation. The five selected Fellows/teams will present their projects. The session will be attended by Fellows, mentors, members of the Panel of Reviewers, and the CDSSI team.
  • Prior to initiating their projects, Fellows will submit a Project Implementation Plan outlining the scope, deliverables, methodology, and timelines. Fellows will specify the nature and extent of the support they would need (and from whom) during the course of the Fellowship.
  • Each Fellow/team will be assigned a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) from CDSSI, ensuring regular interactions throughout the Fellowship.
  • The Fellowship will be conducted in a phased development manner. Each phase will be attached to specific milestones consisting of specific output/deliverables. This approach will allow for periodic ‘check-ins’, progress monitoring, and if required, course correction.
  • Fellows will be required to submit periodic progress reports, with the frequency determined in consultation with their mentors and CDSSI SPOCs. These reports must include their accomplishments, challenges, and acquired insights. In addition, there will be monthly review meetings with the CDSSI team, and quarterly review meetings with the Panel of Reviewers.
  • A comprehensive final report, detailing the problem, methodology, outcomes etc., will be submitted by the Fellows towards the end of the Fellowship.
  • At the end of the Fellowship, a symposium will be organised, where Fellows will present their work to stakeholders from the social sector.

More Details:

  • Each Fellowship project will be granted a remuneration of INR 12 lakhs. This sum will be distributed among the Fellow(s) involved in the project.
  • Fellows will primarily work remotely.
  • Fellows will identify the DPGs they wish to develop. Applicants are expected to clearly articulate the problem or opportunity they are addressing and provide specifics regarding the proposed solution. The proposed DPG project should adhere to the following guidelines:
    1. The DPG should be freely accessible in the form of:
      1. Open-source software application
      2. Open AI/data science model
    2. The DPG must have mainstream application in the social sector. The DPG should be relevant to and usable by organisations/individuals in the social sector.
    3. The DPG should be rooted in one or more of the following data science technologies:
      1. Machine Learning (including deep learning and Generative AI)
      2. Computer Vision
      3. Natural Language Processing
      4. Predictive Analytics
      5. Geospatial Analytics
      6. Optimisation Algorithms
  • The DPG can be crafted using open/public data or data owned by a social purpose organisation (NGO, non-profit organisation, social enterprise, etc). If a project requires the utilisation of an SPO’s data, Fellows should identify the SPO and procure the dataset. A description of the dataset should be incorporated into the Fellowship application.
  • A panel of experts – academics, data science/tech professionals and senior social sector stakeholders – will serve as reviewers for the Fellowship. The panel will provide strategic guidance to the Fellows and periodically assess the progress of projects.

Fellowship Output (DPG)

  • Intellectual property: The DPG will be jointly owned by the Fellow(s) and CDSSI. CDSSI and the Fellow(s) will have the authority to manage, maintain, and distribute the DPG, while ensuring its availability for public use. Fellows will be expected to suggest distribution approaches to maximise the visibility and adoption of the DPG.
  • Open licences: The DPG (open-source software or open DS/AI model) will be released in the public domain. It may be released under the one of the following open licensing options:
    1. Open-Source Software License (e.g., MIT, Apache, GPL)
    2. Creative Commons License (e.g., CC BY, CC BY-SA)
    3. Public Domain Dedication
  • Distribution channels: The DPG will be made available to the public through online platforms such as GitHub, a dedicated webpage, landing pages on ISDM/ CDSSI website, or other online portals owned by ISDM, and the Google Play and the App Store for mobile apps, and other stores for web apps.
  • User support: Fellows will be responsible for providing support resources to enhance the usability of the DPG in consultation with mentors and SPOCs from CDSSI (or ISDM). These may include collaterals such as documentation, user guides, tutorials, use cases/examples, and other materials.
  • Outreach: To promote the extensive adoption and use of the DPG by its intended users, Fellows – in collaboration with the CDSSI team – will actively engage with stakeholders from the social sector through workshops, demos, and similar initiatives.

Structure of Research Proposal

  • Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience.
  • Fellows can choose to participate in the Fellowship either individually or in teams. Each Fellowship project must possess the following skillsets:
    1. data science skills
    2. deep social sector understanding

These skills can either be held by a single Fellow or shared among multiple Fellows within a project team.

**For Fellows applying in teams:

  1. The Fellow possessing data science skills must have a minimum of 3 years of experience and hold a Bachelor’s degree in STEM/social science with a quantitative focus.
  2. The Fellow with a deep understanding of the social sector must have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the social sector

Application Requirements

  • The CDSSI Fellowship 2024-25: Digital Public Goods for Social Impact commences on 6th February 2024 with an orientation.
  • The deadline for submitting applications is 15th January, 2024.
  • Fellows who opt to work in teams will need to submit their applications collectively as a team.

The applications should include the following:

  1. Resume: Applicants must submit a professional resume detailing their academic background, technical skills, and relevant work experience. Fellows intending to work in teams should submit separate resumes for each team member. Fellows must:
    • Highlight contributions to projects relevant to the Fellowship, such as the development of applications, AI models, open-source tools, dashboards.
    • Provide details of any work experience in the social impact domain (social, public, or private sector).
  2. Project Proposal: Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal that includes:
    • Description of the DPG: Include details on features, functionalities, the technology stack employed, UI/UX considerations, integration with other systems, and compatibility.
    • Benefits for stakeholders: Clearly articulate the specific problem or opportunity that the DPG aims to address and outline the benefits that stakeholders in the social sector will derive from its use.
    • Development approach and methodology: Elaborate on the approach to be adopted for understanding user needs, data preparation, algorithm development, prototyping, development iterations, testing, user feedback incorporation, documentation plan, and deployment and release.
    • Phase-wise work plan: Provide a detailed phase-wise work plan for an 11-month timeline. Allocate at least one month for closing activities, encompassing the development of the final report, product launch, and presentation of the DPG at a symposium.
    • Please submit your application containing the research proposal using the link
  3. Mentors: Applicants must provide a professional bio of their intended mentor.
    • Mentors should be experienced individuals who have worked in the field of data science, including senior professionals from the social/public/ private sector, and academics.
    • Fellows must ensure beforehand that their mentors are willing to devote time for periodic check-ins and monitoring project progress.
  4. Datasets: Applicants must provide a summary of the dataset they will utilise for developing the DPG.
    • The DPG can be crafted using open/public data or data owned by a social purpose organisation (NGO, non-profit organisation, social enterprise, etc.).
    • If the DPG project is based on data from an SPO, Fellows are expected to obtain the datasets directly from the SPO.
    • If the DPG project is based on open/public data, please provide a link to the data source.

Candidate Profile

  • Data Science Experience: Fellow(s) with substantial experience in data science and data technology projects will receive priority. A strong commitment to engaging in social impact initiatives, particularly those involving the use of data science/tech for social good, will be preferred.
  • Social Sector Understanding: Priority will be given to Fellows who demonstrate a deep understanding of the workings of the social sector. This may include full-time/part-time/volunteer experiences in the social purpose sphere.

Project Proposal

  • Scale of Impact: DPGs with the potential to benefit a large number of stakeholders meaningfully will be preferred.
  • Thoroughness: Proposals that provide a comprehensive explanation of the solution, its features, and benefits for the social sector will be given priority.
  • Methodological Rigour: Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate a logical and coherent methodology, along with a realistic approach for undertaking the project.

Interview

  • After an initial round of application reviews, candidates will be shortlisted for interviews. The Panel of Reviewers will select five projects.

Key details:

  • Last date to apply: January 15, 2024
  • Orientation: February 6, 2024
  • Length of Fellowship: 12 months
  • Remuneration: Rs.12,00,000
  • Structure: Mentor-guided

Click here to know more and APPLY

FAQ’S

1. How many Fellows can apply as a team?

There is no limit to the number of Fellows in a team. However, the Fellowship amount per project remains constant regardless of the team’s size.

2. Will CDSSI cover my travel expenses to the campus?

Yes, CDSSI will cover travel and accommodation expenses for Fellows. Selected Fellows are encouraged to attend periodic in-person reviews with the CDSSI team and the Panel of Reviewers.

3. Is there an age limit for Fellowship applications?

No. Applications from experienced professionals are welcome.

4. Is there a minimum educational requirement?

No. However, applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience to be eligible.

5. Can I apply for the Fellowship if I live outside of India?

Yes.

6. What is the deadline for submission of applications?

15th January, 2024.

7. When is the start date of the Fellowship?

6th February 2024, with an orientation session.

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