FDL Australia 2022
Paid Research Opportunity - Apply now
Please be advised the Australian research sprint will now take place June - August 2022.
Are you a PhD student/Postdoc researcher interested in machine learning, data science, Earth science, ecology, fire science or space science?
Do you want to make a real difference in how bushfires are managed and prepared for in Australia and around the world?
Would you like to join an existing network of brilliant people from world-leading space agencies, universities and tech companies?
If your answer is YES, we are seeking talented individuals to join the Australian Frontier Development Lab (FDL) Bushfires research teams.
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE IS Thursday 31
For six years, FDL has been pushing the edge of applied artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary research to tackle grand challenges. Find out more in this presentation, or at the websites of the US (http://fdl.ai) and European (https://fdleurope.org) programs.
WHY APPLY?
Be part of the team
Interdisciplinary team-work is at the heart of the FDL philosophy, and our experience with previous participants has shown that the mix of skillsets creates results far bigger than the sum of the individual parts. Working closely together during the intense eight-week research sprints, teams have achieved outputs that might otherwise have taken years.
Our international network is growing, and provides great value for its members, many of whom have continued work on projects they began at FDL.
Researchers have gone on to join some of the world’s most prestigious tech, earth observation companies and academic institutions in a variety or roles. FDL projects have been featured in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, posters and numerous news features.
Build best practice
Best practice in artificial intelligence is still emerging, and FDL is at the forefront of developing effective workflows for AI development in the space sector. Our team-focussed approach enables an expertise chain that can tackle problem definition, data source aggregation, workflow composition, algorithm development, creation of inference models and deployment in an efficient manner. We are conscious that teaching machines to learn is different from traditional software development and this requires a new approach.
Powerful partnership opportunities
FDL has developed strong relationships with world-class AI researchers and leaders in tech. Their support helps us overcome hurdles using solutions that would usually be beyond the easy reach of researchers, such as state-of-the-art hardware to facilitate rapid iteration, as well as a wealth of experience and expertise on building robust AI workflows.
Help humanity
FDL brings brilliant minds to big questions - such as ‘we democratise ML for faster, more effective preparation for and response to natural disasters and extreme weather events?’ - and gives researchers a chance to develop solutions with the potential to advance science, inform debate, and save lives. From asteroid characterisation to early-warning systems for natural disasters, there is huge potential to make a difference with FDL.
FAQs
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 years FDL has 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:
ML/AI/ Data Scientist
Space Scientist
Hybrid - Space Science Lead
Hybrid - ML Lead
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 2022 FDL research sprint?
The sprint is expected to take place over eight weeks from June to August 2022. We will require your full time commitment throughout the duration of the research sprint.
Where does the research sprint take place?
The FDL Fires sprint will be virtual. Due to the broader global Covid19 pandemic and following a successful FDL US & FDL Europe sprint in 2020 & 2021, we feel confident we can deliver great results in a virtual setting.
When do applications open and close?
Applications are open on Friday 15 November. The application deadline is 23:59 AoE on Thursday 31 March 2022.
What happens during the research sprint?
Bootcamp 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.
Can I apply to FDL if I’m a non-australian citizen?
FDL is pleased to be able to welcome applications from researchers from around the world. However, you will be required to work in the Australian time zone.
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. 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 space agencies and private sector.
Every year the researchers all comment on the value of getting a fresh perspective and the strong relationships and friendships they build.
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 will receive a stipend.
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.