Call for 2026 Summer Institute Theme Leaders is Open
November 1 - 1, 2025
Applications are open for Research Project Theme Leaders to guide collaborative research teams during the 2026 Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute to be held June 8 - July 22, 2026, at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL.
As a Theme Leader, you will play a critical role in guiding student research projects and teams and ensuring a successful project-based learning experience. Theme Leaders support (or co-support) 1-3 project teams of 2-4 students each.
Theme Leaders gain experience working with the next generation of water researchers, shaping research projects aligned with national water prediction priorities, and lead collaborative, data-driven projects alongside other researchers.
In 2025, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Summer Institute, and 2026 marks another milestone as the 10th Summer Institute is hosted. Learn more about the program here.
If you are eager to support the next generation of water researchers, we encourage you to apply.
Possible Research Themes for the 2026 Summer Institute:
Applicants are invited to submit research themes and project ideas within the following Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) Research Themes:
Advancing the Next Generation National Hydrologic Modeling
Advancing Risk Communication and Public Engagement in Hydrologic Hazards
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Hydrological Predictions
Developing Novel Hydroinformatics Tools, Services, and Datasets to Support Operational Frameworks
Innovations in Flood Inundation Mapping for Operational Forecasting
A successful applicant will demonstrate:
Expertise in a relevant research area aligned with water prediction science or a relevant subject matter.
Experience and enthusiasm for mentoring students and supporting student growth and learning.
Interest in collaborative science and experience leading a team.
Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of Summer Institute fellows and alumni.
Willingness to develop new research projects aligned with program themes alongside program organizers and other theme leaders.
Relevant theme-related project ideas and supporting data and resources.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be active members of the scientific community with relevant research experience.
Have experience leading collaborative scientific projects.
Be based in the U.S. and affiliated with a U.S. institution or entity.
Key Responsibilities:
Theme Leader responsibilities will begin in January 2026 with the following key responsibilities:
Planning Phase (January - May 2026; exact dates to be determined):
Participate in a virtual welcome meeting and a virtual review of student applications (January/ February)
Collaborate with Summer Institute leadership to identify student team research projects aligned with research themes. Theme Leaders may pair up to co-support research themes.
Attend biweekly virtual planning meetings (February-May)
Present a webinar introducing students to your research themes (April-May)
Identify, prepare, and share data, resources, literature, and training materials to ensure readiness for the start of the Summer Institute. Given the short duration of the Summer Institute, we have found that it is important for Theme Leader to prepare data and resources in advance.
Support in-person training and skill-building needs and coordinate with project leadership to incorporate theme-specific modules into the bootcamp schedule.
Coordinate with leadership to ensure adequate computing resources are ready to support your project teams.
On-Site Program (Bootcamp and Capstone Event):
Provide in-person instruction on specific modules and support during the SI introduction and “Bootcamp” training period (June 8-19). Alternative arrangements may be considered if full two-week in-person attendance is not feasible.
Mentor student research teams, conduct weekly check-ins, and host remote office hours (June 22-July 21).
Guide students in preparing project reports and capstone presentations.
Attend the Capstone event at the University of Alabama (July 22).
Additional Expectations:
Adhere to and uphold the CUAHSI Code of Conduct, and report any conduct-related concerns promptly
Collaborate with staff and partners to ensure a positive and productive learning environment.
Support other related tasks as needed to fulfill the Theme Leader role
Compensation:
Theme Leaders will be paid an honorarium for their role in the Summer Institute.
Travel-related expenses will be reimbursed by the program.
Additional information:
We are committed to creating a collaborative and inclusive Summer Institute. We believe a diverse and inclusive community is essential for promoting innovation, equity, and excellence in the water sciences and related fields. To this end, we seek candidates for the Theme Leader position who share our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community.
We are committed to making the Summer Institute program inclusive and accessible. Therefore, we can consider alternative arrangements for Theme Leaders on a case-by-case basis to accommodate those who may not be able to spend two consecutive weeks onsite at the beginning of the program. Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss specific ideas or needs during the application process.
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please feel free to contact Julia Masterman (email hidden; JavaScript is required) with any questions or concerns.