NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics (NITMB) Affiliate Members are faculty from institutions external to Northwestern University and the University of Chicago who want to become regular and active participants in NITMB research, convenin programs, and training.

The inaugural cohort of NITMB affiliate members’ applications are due December 1, 2024, and sequent cohort applications are due September 1 annually.

Benefits

• Listed among NITMB Affiliate Faculty Members on our webpage and in other publications and reports
• Opportunity to help shape programs including workshops and seminars
• Access to the NITMB space in the John Hancock Center
• Receives priority review of their application to workshops and activities
• Application to Visiting Scholars program is streamlined

Responsibilities

• Attend an NITMB workshop or utilize space at least once every 12 months.
• Engage in cross-disciplinary research activities, engaging both math and biology or both theory and experiments.
• Acknowledge NITMB funding support if appropriate on a product that was impacted by participation in NITMB. “[Author] acknowledges support from the National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology through the National Science Foundation (grant number DMS-2235451) and the Simons Foundation (grant number MP-TMPS-00005320).”
• Support DEI practices of the NITMB
• Engagement in NITMB activities outside of research. Examples might include:
• Organizing a workshop
• Serving on NITMB committees (e.g. annual conference contributed talks review)
• Running a training activity or collection of tutorials
• Substantive engagement with minority-serving institution partners
• Outreach and education activities
• Helping to organize and actively engaging with the NITMB Seminar Series
• Provide an annual renewal of membership.

Becoming a Affiliate Member

• Must apply to be a member
• Must submit a CV and statement describing their interests in and fit for the NITMB
• Must have participated in an NITMB activity in person at least once before applying

The Leadership Council reviews nominations and decides on whether to invite nominees for membership annually. Criteria include: Tenure-track faculty member of a college, university or academic institution; Likelihood of engaging in cross-disciplinary research activities involving both mathematics and biology or both theory and experiments; Likelihood of conducting fundamental research (not translational/clinical medical research or applied engineering); Likelihood of meeting responsibilities outlined above.

Renewal of Affiliate Membership

An annual report will be required to be submitted by all NITMB members, starting in Spring 2025. The report describes their activities in the past year related to NITMB that fulfill the responsibilities outlined. Renewal deliverables include 1) annual participation in NITMB event or utilizing the space each year, 2) descriptions of NITMB-related research, 3) description of engagement in NITMB activities outside research, 4) list of publications where NITMB is acknowledged.

The Leadership Council reviews and renews new applications annually. Renewal criteria will be based on whether members have submitted a report and they have met the responsibilities outlined above in the past cycle based on the report.

If the Council determines that a member did not fulfill renewal criteria for the first time, then the member will receive a warning that their membership is in jeopardy. If the member fails to fulfill renewal criteria in subsequent years, then their membership is placed on hold until they can fulfill membership responsibilities. We understand that as an affiliate member commitments eb and flow with other responsibilities. We welcome all former affiliates to reapply when they are able to fulfill their commitment to NITMB.