FAQs

Submit a 250-word summary of an open research idea that you would be interested in having Amazon researchers consider and collaborate with you. Complete the electronic submission form (link here). We will ensure that it is uploaded to the Columbia/Amazon open idea exchange site when it goes live. If Amazon researchers are interested in the research area you developed, they may request, via a digital sign-up sheet, a video-conference call with you to learn more. The exchange will hopefully seed a fruitful collaborative research project.

The 250-word summary can be submitted on a rolling basis up to October 28. It is advisable to submit early during the open idea exchange period to allow for a greater likelihood of Amazon researcher's interest and support in submitting a full project proposal by the October 30 deadline. The website for this digital forum will go live early in the week of October 5, but we strongly encourage you to begin the project scoping ASAP.

Similarly, you can browse a list of submissions from Amazon researchers who will be pitching research problems/challenges to Columbia faculty. If there is a problem or Amazon researcher you are interested in, you can contact them via a digital sign-up sheet to iterate on developing a full proposal.

If you have existing relationships with Amazon researchers (friends, former students, former colleagues, etc.) and want to discuss ideas with them before submitting a proposal for consideration, feel free to begin those conversations outside of this formal mechanism.

All Columbia faculty are eligible to submit pre-proposal ideas, engage with potential Amazon collaborators, and submit full proposals for funding consideration.

While the idea exchange site will be password protected, the posted ideas and proposals will be accessible to all Amazonians and Columbia faculty to review. There should be no confidential, sensitive, non-public information included. A good idea summary will discuss why this area is exciting and a sufficient level of detail for an informed and educated (PhD level) audience. A discussion with CTV before submission would be prudent and is highly encouraged.

To submit a pre-proposal idea, fill out the electronic pre-proposal form. Link here.

All full research proposals should be scoped to 12 months, with eligibility for a 12-month renewal. The themes for projects and funding details are listed in the CFP announcement here. The Center's Advisory Group will review full proposal submissions. Projects will either be funded as a gift or through a Sponsored Research mechanism, depending on the types of research and interest. Research Projects may be led by one or more faculty members from any school of Columbia University. They may include the support of post-doctoral researchers, PhD students, research staff, or other Columbia students. Research proposals that include an Amazon research collaborator are strongly encouraged.

Faculty who are Amazon Scholars can submit proposals to the Center, but they need to follow the standard university Conflict of Interest (COI) policy and process. They will need to update their COI form on RASCAL, ensure there is clear separation between their work at Amazon and their current or proposed research on campus, and meet requirements from the Conflict of Interest Committee. They are encouraged to consult with Naomi Schrag early in advance of proposal submission.

Email Eric Vieira, in the SEAS Dean's Office, for further information. Also, please visit the Center's website regularly for update-to-date information.