ICTS programs are part of our mandate to facilitate collaborative activities of researchers and training of younger researchers. ICTS programs therefore often have a strong educational component. ICTS is not a conference centre or a funding agency for conferences and workshops. All ICTS programs need to incorporate some basic features outlined below. All proposals will be reviewed by the ICTS Program Committee, which could make suggestions for revision to meet the highest academic standards and to make them consistent with our mandate. Successful programs will receive appropriate financial and administrative support from ICTS
Who can submit a proposal?
Anyone holding a faculty position at any research and educational institution can submit a proposal for organizing an ICTS program. A typical proposal is expected to have two or more organizers.
What are the possible research areas of a program?
Program proposals can be in any area in the physical and mathematical sciences, physical biology, computational sciences, theoretical computer science, and complex systems like climate, fluids, etc.
ICTS will also support activities that contribute to human resource development in the basic sciences. These should be training schools or workshops on advanced topics, which are, otherwise, not easily available for Indian students and faculty. Some of the high-level activities could be preceded by preparatory schools or workshops held elsewhere, to enable young participants to make the best use of the programs.
Where does one submit a proposal?
Proposals for organizing programs can be submitted on the ICTS website by following the link ORGANIZE A PROGRAM.
How are successful program proposals selected?
All program proposals are scrutinized by the ICTS Program Committee. It consists of acknowledged leaders in different areas of science. Successful program proposals must have a positive recommendation from this Committee.
What does the Program Committee look for in a proposal?
A good program proposal must include the following information:
-
Clear articulation of the theme and objectives. Explain the scientific merit, the timeliness of the theme, and the target audience. Why now? What does the program aim to achieve? What is the perceived impact?
-
Duration and structure of the program. Why is the proposed duration and structure appropriate for achieving the objectives? Note that we discourage regular conference-like formats and encourage formats that will enable new collaborations and/or effective pedagogy.
-
A list of possible speakers and topics. The Program Committee looks for the highest quality. We expect that at least some of these speakers have expressed their interest in coming to the program.
-
Overlap with other programs. Is this program part of a broader effort? Are there other ICTS programs that overlap with the theme of this proposal? How does this proposal complement them, or advance those efforts?
-
Diversity and inclusion. The best ICTS program proposals will incorporate this aspect at every stage, starting with the list of organizers and speakers.
Support and other information
ICTS will allocate a budget as per its norms and the needs of the proposed program. To do this, we need to know the expected number of participants (from outside and within Bangalore), the number of guest house rooms (single and twin sharing) and the expected travel assistance. Students and postdocs are expected to twin share. Only limited funds are available for travel, especially for foreign travel. ICTS encourages organisers to bring in additional support. Organizers should give details of any confirmed/potential external support.
What should be the duration of a program?
Programs covering important developments in an area that requires a focused response run for 2 to 3 weeks. A scientific case for the appropriateness of the duration needs to be made in the proposal.
What is not covered by the ICTS mandate?
ICTS is not a conference funding agency. Supporting conferences and workshops elsewhere are outside the mandate of ICTS. All our supported programs must be organized as ICTS programs on our campus and adhere to our guidelines. All the electronic material generated by the program (including lecture videos) will be hosted on the ICTS online platforms.
For any additional information please contact: program [at] icts . res . in