Description
The seventh annual Rising Stars in Data Science workshop will be held at the University of Chicago on November 9-10, 2026. The Rising Stars in Data Science workshop, hosted by the University of Chicago in collaboration with Harvard University, the University of California San Diego, and Stanford University, celebrates and fast tracks the careers of exceptional data scientists at a critical inflection point in their career: the transition to postdoctoral scholar, research scientist, industry research position, or tenure track position. Over the past six years, the Rising Stars workshop has hosted over 180 Rising Stars from nearly 50 institutions.
The Autumn 2026 workshop will showcase the exciting, innovative data science initiatives at UChicago, Stanford, UC San Diego, and Harvard, and provide PhD students and postdocs the opportunity to plug into these networks, platforms, and opportunities.
The two-day workshop features career and research panels, networking and mentoring opportunities, and research talks from the Rising Stars. All graduate students and postdocs, including those who belong to groups underrepresented in data science, are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to people of all racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders, and persons with disabilities.
Join us Thursday, July 23 3:00-4:00 PM CT for an info session on the 2026 Rising Stars in Data Science workshop. In this session, attendees will learn more about the program, hear from the Universities, and ask questions of past program participants. Click to register now.
Info Session: Thursday, July 23, 3:00–4:00 PM CT
Learn more about the program, hear from participating universities, and ask questions of past Rising Stars. Register here.
Application deadline: August 3, 2026
Submit an application
Learn more: Rising Stars in Data Science website
Questions? [email protected]
Requirements
Application Requirements:
- Resume/CV
- Biography (100 words)
- Research keywords
- Research talk title
- Research talk abstract (250 words)
- Research statement outlining research goals, potential projects of interest, and long-term career goals (2 pg, standard font at a size 11 or larger)
- Recommendations indicating support from at least 1-2 faculty members or advisors
- UChicago, UC San Diego, Stanford University, and Harvard University are committed to broadening participation in the field of data science. In a 300-word statement, please share your experiences and contributions to broadening participation and outreach in data science and the scientific community at large. (300 words)
Eligibility & Guidelines:
- Applicants must be full time graduate students within 1 year of obtaining a PhD, or a current postdoctoral scholar, fellow, or researcher.
- We welcome applicants from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds: any eligible PhD or postdoc who is engaging in rigorous, data-driven inquiry is encouraged to apply.
- Applicants from all institutions, including but not limited to the University of Chicago, the University of California San Diego, Stanford University, and Harvard University are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants may only submit one application.
- Applicants may have nominations from a maximum of 2 faculty members or advisors.
