Call for 2027 Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute Theme Leaders
Application Deadline 12.16.2026
Application Deadline: Application review will begin on a rolling basis on Dec. 1, 2026. After this date, applications will continue to be accepted through Dec 14, 2026, although the application deadline may close early if a satisfactory number of applications have been received.
Applications are open for Research Project Theme Leaders to guide collaborative research teams during the 2027 Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute (SI) to be held June through July 2027 at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL; final program dates will be confirmed soon.
The Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute is a seven week summer training program for graduate students on operational water prediction.
As a Theme Leader, you will play a critical role in guiding student team research projects 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 provide mentorship to the next generation of water researchers, shape research projects aligned with national water prediction priorities, and lead collaborative, data-driven projects alongside other researchers.
Additional program details can be found here.
If you are eager to support the next generation of water researchers, we encourage you to apply.
Apply here.
Possible Research Themes for the 2027 Summer Institute:
Theme Leaders bring the big-picture research themes that guide how student teams form their projects and research questions. You do not need to arrive with a specific project to advance. Each student team develops its own project in consultation with its Theme Leader, under the umbrella of their theme.
Those interested are invited to submit project research theme ideas that align 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
Themes may continue to be refined with the leadership team after Theme Leaders have been selected.
Research themes should be broad enough that student teams can iterate on their own project ideas under their theme of interest. In general, Theme Leaders bring the overarching theme and guidance and provide a few suggested project ideas. Ultimately, student project teams form organically and develop a project of their choosing in consultation with their Theme Leaders. Theme Leaders may not necessarily be able to pursue their own specific project ideas during the Summer Institute.
Projects are meant to be sized so that they can have reportable outcomes within the seven-week program period. In some cases, Summer Institute fellows will continue to advance a project idea after the completion of the SI.
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 project ideas aligned with the proposed themes, with 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 are expected to begin in January 2027 with the following key responsibilities:
Planning Phase (January to May 2027; 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's 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) June to July 2027; exact dates to be determined.
Provide in-person instruction on specific modules and support during the SI introduction and “Bootcamp” training period (mid June 2027). Alternative arrangements may be considered if full two-week in-person attendance is not feasible.
Mentor student research teams, hold weekly check-ins, and host remote office hours (June - July 2027).
Guide students in preparing project reports and capstone presentations.
Attend the Capstone event at the University of Alabama (July 2027).
Additional Expectations:
Uphold the CUAHSI Code of Conduct, and report any conduct-related concerns promptly.
Uphold the Summer Institute Authorship Agreement.
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 are eligible for compensation for their role through a services agreement with CUAHSI.
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 strengthens water science and related fields, and we seek Theme Leaders who share that commitment.
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 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.
Application Instructions
Submit the application form to be considered.
Application review will begin on a rolling basis on Dec. 1, 2026. After this date, applications will continue to be accepted through Dec 14, 2026, although the application deadline may close early if a satisfactory number of applications have been received.
Questions
Contact Julia Masterman (email hidden; JavaScript is required) with any questions.