TILOS Visitor Programs
Modern AI and optimization are closely intertwined: On one hand, optimization is a core component of modern AI. On the other hand, AI can significantly accelerate solving hard optimization problems in practice. At TILOS we aim to co-advance modern AI and optimization, and pioneer learning-enabled optimizations to transform chip design, robotics, networks and other high-stakes use domains. We welcome visiting researchers from both the foundational front (e.g., optimization in modern ML architectures (including LLMs), federated learning and distributed optimization, ML for (combinatorial) optimization, dynamic decision making, representation learning) and the practical front (translating learning + optimization for our core use domains). See all ongoing TILOS research areas.
TILOS External Visitor Program for faculty and industry partners
The TILOS External Visitor Program supports visits to TILOS institutions by industry partners and faculty from non-TILOS institutions for collaborative research. Support includes reimbursement of round-trip transportation to the host TILOS institution (up to $750 for domestic or $1,200 for international travel), as well as a stipend for accommodation.
Short-term visits are one to three weeks. The accommodation stipend for short-term visits is $1000 per week.
Long-term visits are one to four months. The accommodation stipend is comparable to that offered by, e.g., the Simons Institute; the exact amount depends on the location of the host TILOS institution. Contact TILOS Managing Director Angela Berti (aberti@ucsd.edu) to determine the stipend rate for the TILOS institution where you are considering a long-term visit.
Support for visits longer than four months may be available subject to additional approval by TILOS Leadership.
Program Expectations
External visitors are highly encouraged to engage with TILOS trainees (students and postdoctoral researchers) at the host institution and/or give a seminar about their work during the visit. It is also expected that TILOS (NSF CCF-2112665) will be acknowledged for any research (or other) outcomes resulting from the visit.
Application Requirements
- Faculty host(s) at a TILOS institution
- Proposed dates for the visit as agreed upon with TILOS faculty host
- 1-2 page description of how the proposed collaborative work is relevant to the TILOS research mission
TILOS Young Scholars Visitor Program for students and postdocs
The TILOS Young Scholars Visitor Program supports visits by graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to TILOS institutions for collaborative research. Visits may be up to three months (a quarter or summer term). Young scholars are especially encouraged to visit TILOS institutions during the summer.
The program will reimburse participants up to $750 for round-trip travel to a host TILOS institution, and up to $625 per week ($2500 per month for up to three months) for accommodation expenses. Please note that you are responsible for arranging your own accommodation during your visit. Host TILOS institutions may have resources available to assist with temporary housing for visiting scholars.
Before completing your application please contact your prospective host PI at the TILOS institution you would like to visit to obtain their permission and arrange tentative dates for your visit.
TILOS Faculty Exchange Program
The TILOS Faculty Exchange Program supports visits by TILOS faculty to another TILOS institution for up to one month to work on collaborative research. Longer visits may be arranged on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of TILOS Leadership.
The program reimburses participants for travel to and from the host institution (up to $750), as well as up to $1000 per week for accommodation.
APPLY HERE.