FAQ 

What sort of applicants are we looking for? 

The participants of FDL are PhD or post-doc level researchers in AI, data science, or space sciences. Successful candidates are matched to form small (four-person) multi-disciplinary, complementary teams for the research sprints. FDL carefully curates teams from all the researchers that make it through to the final selection pool balancing deep subject expertise, technical capacity and knowledge and abilities to work across disciplines.

Can I apply as both an AI/data science and space science researcher?

Over the four years FDL has been running we have seen a shift as more applicants bring both ML and space science experience, we call these people hybrids. Nonetheless, hybrids normally have clear ‘lead’ knowledge and experience in ML/data science OR space science. We are asking all applicants to nominate themselves as one of four categories:

  1. ML/AI/Data science researcher

  2. Space Science researcher

  3. Hybrid - ML lead researcher

  4. Hybrid - space science lead researcher

It will not prejudice your application in any way whichever you choose. A frank self-assessment of your skills is more important.

What are the dates of the 2020 FDL research sprint? 

The sprint is expected to take place over eight weeks from 22 June - 14 August.  We will require your full time commitment throughout the duration of the research sprint.  

Where does the research sprint take place? 

Due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we are putting in place contingency processes as limits on gatherings and extended face to face contact are likely to remain in place up to and over the period of FDL. We expect FDL to go ahead this summer but will be tailoring FDL’s process to support virtual participation. Previous years NASA FDL took place in Mountain View, California and FDL Europe in Oxford, UK with some time on site with the European Space Agency.  

When do applications open and close? 

Applications are now open.  The application deadline is 23:59 AoE on Tuesday 14 April 2020. There is a possibility of an additional call for applicants if we need specific domain or subject specialists to match our challenge questions, but this is not guaranteed, so get your application in before the deadline!  

What happens during the research sprint? 

Bootcamp week (week 1) aims to introduce AI methods and the basics to the space science team members and vice versa.  This is a rapid learning week where the core aspects of both fields are covered, ensuring everyone has a firm basis for the following weeks.

The next step is working in teams of four to get hands-on researching the challenge area and formulating solutions for the challenge question. The second half of the sprint is used for prototyping, testing and perfecting your solution, and getting ready to present it.  

At the end of the research sprint, teams will present their work to leading scientists, researchers and industry experts from NASA, ESA and our Partners.   

What are the topics of the challenges for 2020? 

You can find details of the FDL 2020 proposed challenges for FDL Europe here and our sister programme FDl USA here.

Can I apply to FDL if I’m a non-US/non-European citizen? 

FDL is pleased to be able to welcome applications from researchers from around the world. 

For the NASA FDL sprint, applicants can be US citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green card holders) or foreign nationals eligible for a temporary student visa (e.g. J1 Visa).  

To take part in the FDL Europe sprint, applicants should either be European citizens or be eligible for the relevant visa to stay in Europe for at least eight weeks.  

Do I need to put my own research on hold? 

During the research sprint, teams work intensively on their projects and are expected to be present and active for the full duration. There may also be additional social activities and field trips so be prepared to be kept busy. However, we hope that the work you do during FDL will complement your research - either by providing a deep-dive introduction to emerging AI techniques to take back to your own investigations, or providing an opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with world-class experts from the private sector, NASA and ESA.  

Last year’s researchers all commented on the value of getting a fresh perspective and the strong relationships and friendships that were made.    

I’m not sure if I meet all the criteria, should I still apply? 

Yes! We are looking for a diverse group of individuals, so we strongly encourage you to apply. That said, we expect to have many more applicants than available places, so bear in mind that FDL is primarily aimed at people currently undertaking PhD or postdoctoral research. 

Do I have to pay to attend FDL? 

No. Researchers receive a stipend, accommodation and transport on location, for the eight-week duration of the research sprint.   

Is FDL a full time commitment? 

Yes. FDL is a full time commitment and beyond. We know that teams need to work really hard and really dynamically over the eight weeks to get the great results we have seen in previous years. We nonetheless hope that in return, FDL provides a special opportunity to work with globally recognised leaders in the field and produce career enhancing work into the future.

Is FDL an accompanied program?

No. Accommodation is provided for researchers but we have no additional accommodation available for friends and family.