Key Scientific Challenges Program FAQs

  1. What should my research summary include?
    Submissions must address the student's PhD research area and therefore should include some or all of the following:
    • A description of the project’s potential contribution to the challenge area
    • State why the research work is being conducted, and what benefits the research will bring
    • An overview of any preliminary results and the state of the research work
    • A brief discussion of the implications for research and practice; i.e. how is it different, new, or better than the existing solutions?

  2. Can I apply to more than one challenge area?
    No. Please apply to the challenge area that best describes the work you are doing.
  3. Who will review the applications?
    Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Key Scientific Challenges Advisory Committee which is comprised of senior scientists from each key challenge area.
  4. When does the program launch?
    The Key Scientific Challenges Program application period will officially begin on January 18th 2010.
  5. When is the Application Deadline?
    The application deadline is February 26th 2010.
  6. When will the winners be announced?
    The winners will be announced by late March 2010.
  7. How will I be notified?
    You will receive an email and a formal letter if you are selected as a winner.
  8. Where do I submit my application and what format(s) do you accept?
    Please submit your application to ksc@yahoo-inc.com. We accept PDF and Word documents by email only.
  9. What is the Key Scientific Challenges Graduate Student Summit?
    The Key Scientific Challenges Graduate Student Summit is international workshop for top PhD students and Yahoo scientists working in the areas stated in the program overview.
  10. What are the goals of the summit?
    The goals of the Key Scientific Challenges Program and Summit include:
    • To support and encourage more doctoral students to make meaningful contributions to the new sciences of the internet
    • To foster interaction between PhD students and Yahoo! scientists and stimulate an exchange of ideas and suggestions among participants
    • To provide a unique forum where the top minds in industry and academia will meet to discuss their research and jointly develop revolutionary approaches to these fundamental challenges

  11. Do I have to attend the conference if I am accepted to the Key Scientific Challenges Program?
    Attendance is not required but it is encouraged as it is an important part of the overall program.
  12. Will I need to present my work at the summit?
    Yes, each participant will be asked to give a short presentation at the summit about their work. Details about the presentation format, length, etc shall be communicated to the participants upon the acceptance into the program.
  13. When will I receive the $5,000 unrestricted research seed funding?
    The seed funding will be paid to you in the form of a check in August 2010.