CIP FACULTY AFFILIATES

Program Overview and Guidelines

 

The Center for an Informed Public (CIP) Faculty Affiliate program brings together University of Washington scholars committed to the Center’s mission of advancing civic health through interdisciplinary research and education initiatives that help individuals, communities, and institutions navigate our complex information environments. Applications to become a 2026 Faculty Affiliate are due by January 16, 2026. 

Eligibility 

  • Open to University of Washington faculty and research scientists. 
  • Applicants must demonstrate an alignment of research interests and activities with the mission of the CIP. 

Appointment

  • Term: CIP Affiliate appointments have a tenure of 2 years, with eligibility to renew. 
  • Selection: Appointments are limited and competitive.

Benefits

CIP Faculty Affiliates receive access to a number of benefits as a result of engaging with the CIP’s research community, including:

CIP Innovation Fund: Affiliates are eligible to apply for the CIP Innovation Fund, a research fund designed to support collaborative, interdisciplinary, and timely projects intended to advance the mission of the center and its research agenda on information, technology, and civic health.

Research Infrastructure: Affiliates are eligible to apply to utilize CIP research infrastructure including data collection infrastructure, existing datasets, and support from CIP data engineers.

Community Engagement: Affiliates are invited to participate in a variety of CIP social events, including happy hours, fundraising events, workshops, grand challenges, etc.

Visibility and Promotion: CIP promotes relevant CIP Faculty and Research Fellow work through its communication channels.

Responsibilities

CIP Faculty Affiliates contribute to the Center’s research, mentorship, and public impact through the following activities:

Community Engagement: Affiliates present at and regularly attend the CIP Weekly Meeting, serve on ad hoc committees in support of the Center's mission, and attend annual meetings and recognition events, including the CIP Award for Impact and Excellence presentation.

Mentorship and Collaboration: Affiliates mentor CIP Postdoctoral Fellows, PhD students, and other student researchers, participate in collaborative research projects with other CIP Faculty and Research Fellows, and contribute to competitive grant proposals aligned with CIP's mission.

Reporting and Recognition: Affiliates submit a brief end-of-appointment report summarizing CIP-related activities and outcomes, and acknowledge CIP affiliation in relevant presentations, publications, and research outputs.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are due by January 16, 2026

University of Washington faculty and research scientists interested in becoming a Center for an Informed Public-affiliated Faculty member for 2026 should complete the application form which includes: 

  • A current CV 
  • A Statement of Interest 

Statement of Interest

The Statement of Interest should respond to the following three questions. Responses to each question should be approximately 300 words; the statement should not exceed 1,500 words total.

  1. How does your work connect to the mission of the CIP? Please describe the problems you are trying to solve through research, education, policy and/or public engagement; outline the approaches which might inform your work; and tell us about the communities you aim to serve through the work.
  2. Why is being affiliated with the UW Center for an Informed Public right for you and your goals? How do you plan to meet the responsibilities of this appointment? Please share your thoughts on: how the opportunity to engage with the CIP community might stimulate your work; which perspectives you seek to help fill any underdeveloped areas of your work; what skills, connections, and insights you are uniquely suited to contribute to the Center’s community and activities; and how you plan to meet the expectations of this appointment (please review CIP Faculty Affiliates guidelines listed above for more information).
  3. How does your personal background and experience inform and influence your work?

Questions?

Please reach out to uwcip@uw.edu with any questions about our faculty affiliate program.