UCAR

Convergence research as defined by NSF is a means of solving vexing research problems, especially those focusing on societal needs. Its two primary characteristics are that it’s (a) driven by specific and compelling problems (b) arising from deep scientific questions or pressing societal needs. Convergence research involves intentionally bringing together disparate expertise, to deeply integrate knowledge, theories, methods, data, and research communities, to develop innovative approaches and outcomes. This fellowship will offer an invaluable opportunity to engage in and build expertise in team-based research to address complex challenges that are faced by our Earth System Science community and society.

NSF NCAR has established a new Convergence Science Program that aims to 

  • Build a deeper understanding of what convergence research is for Earth Systems Science, 
  • Build capacity to conduct convergence research
  • Foster strategically important and high-risk convergence research efforts. 

This fellowship track is for graduate students who would like to understand, explore, and participate in convergence research procedures and practices. During their first year, the Fellow will work with the NSF NCAR Convergence Science Program Leadership Team to become well-versed in what convergence research is and the work that the Convergence Program team is doing. Some examples of what the team is doing: 

  • Explore and develop best practices in conducting convergence research across different phases of an effort e.g. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.13246, https://www.nature.com/articles/s44304-024-00014-x  
  • Develop partnerships for convergence research teams, and collectively identify the critical scientific and/or societal problems to be addressed
  • Develop approaches for valuing and evaluating convergence research efforts
  • Develop frameworks and practices for data collection, integration, and analysis in convergence research teams
  • Collaborate with UCAR and NSF NCAR project teams and their external partners to integrate convergence practices into research efforts

With this programmatic and knowledge foundation, in the second year of the Fellowship, the Fellow will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired understanding of convergence research in one of three ways: 

  • Participate in an ongoing NSF NCAR convergence research project.
  • Design and/or implement a convergence research approach for their own research interests. 
  • Continue the work they did in the first year of their Fellowship to collaborate with the NSF NCAR Convergence Program team on the development of best practices and procedures for convergence research.

As with all Fellowship tracks, the specific work pursued by the Convergence Fellow can be adapted to accommodate the interests and needs of the Fellow. 

Back to the Next Gen Fellowship Homepage >