SPARK Forum Receives Community Initiative Funding

I’m pleased to share that the Community Initiative proposal I led for SPARK Forum has been awarded funding through the Schmidt Sciences AI in Science Fellowship Community Initiatives Fund.

We are planning SPARK Forum: Responsible Research Translation and Cross-Sector Collaboration at the University of Michigan, with the main program tentatively scheduled for March 8–12, 2027.

SPARK Forum poster illustrating collaboration among current and alumni AI in Science Fellows and partners across academia, government, industry, and national laboratories

SPARK Forum promotional illustration. Dates remain tentative. View the original poster (PDF).

SPARK is being designed as a retreat-style forum for current and alumni AI in Science (AIS) Fellows. We also plan to invite partners from academia, government, industry, and national laboratories. The aim is to explore how AI-for-science research can address real stakeholder needs and translate into meaningful societal impact.

The planned program will combine expert talks and discussions on responsible AI and emerging technologies with hands-on tutorials and cross-sector team projects. Teams would work from a stakeholder-defined problem toward a minimum viable prototype, connecting research ideas with practical needs.

Mentorship, career conversations, and informal retreat activities are also planned, giving participants time to build connections across disciplines, institutions, cohorts, and sectors. I’m grateful for the support and look forward to developing the forum with colleagues across the AIS community.

Applications are not yet open. Please stay tuned for more information as dates and program details are confirmed.

Learn more about SPARK Forum and follow future updates.

A preview of the SPARK Community Hub

These screenshots show the website as of September 18, 2026. Forum dates and program details remain tentative. Click an image to enlarge it.

SPARK website About page with the initiative's mission, funding acknowledgement, and conveners — About SPARK: the initiative's mission, funding acknowledgement, and conveners.

SPARK Forum overview with tentative dates and a draft five-day main program — Forum overview and draft program: March 7 for check-in, followed by the March 8–12 main program. All dates are tentative.

Profiles and responsibilities of the six Fellows and alumni leading the SPARK Forum — The six Fellows and alumni leading the SPARK Forum, with their organizing roles.

Acknowledgements to colleagues at Schmidt Sciences and the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society — Acknowledging guidance, coordination, and practical support from colleagues at Schmidt Sciences and MIDAS.

Five principles guiding SPARK, from responsible research and collaboration to reproducibility, accessibility, and lasting relationships — SPARK's guiding principles: responsibility, collaboration, reproducible practice, accessible technical depth, and lasting relationships.