Stanford HAI Data Science Scholars Program

Program Overview

The Stanford HAI Data Science Scholars Program brings together the HAI Graduate Fellows and SDS Data Science Scholars programs into a unified, two-year fellowship for exceptional PhD students.

The program combines substantial research funding, including a ~$29K annual stipend, 50% tuition support, and a $2,000/year research allowance, with a structured, collaborative community designed to develop the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders in data science and AI.

Spanning all seven Stanford schools, the program supports existing Stanford PhD students whose work advances the foundations, applications, and human dimensions of data science and AI. This includes foundational research on methods, models, and theory; applied research across domains such as scientific discovery, health and biomedicine, mental health, language and culture, education, and the arts; and research on the ethical, societal, and policy implications of these technologies.

Scholars are selected for the significance of their research questions, the rigor of their methods, and their commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed to create a critical mass of early-career researchers whose collective work reflects the full breadth of HAI’s mission, spanning scholarly discovery, educational transformation, and societal impact.

View current scholars and the wide range of disciplines represented.

Eligibility & Benefits

  • Open to current Stanford PhD students in any field with at least two years left in their PhD program
  • Stipend support (~$29K/year + 50% tuition) for two years
  • Additional $2,000/year unrestricted research stipend
  • Dedicated coworking space in the CoDa building
  • Mentorship by Stanford faculty, science advisors, and industry experts
  • Community connection with faculty, students, and postdocs across Stanford to shape the future of data science and AI, and build a lifelong interdisciplinary community, including an incredibly diverse alumni network

Note: Funds replace part of the student’s current compensation, allowing half of the scholar’s time (10 hours a week) to be dedicated to the program and their data science/AI research. An advisor recommendation letter is required. Candidates with less than two years remaining may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Time Commitment Required

  • Weekly 2.5-hour seminars (Wednesdays, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM) at least 75% attendance per quarter, in-person
  • Participation in scholar-led initiatives
  • Engagement with campus-wide data science and AI community activities
  • Showcase research project (poster) at our annual conference

Program Activities

  • Structured Learning: Scholar-led discussions and presentations, faculty talks, fireside chats with industry experts
  • Informal Exchange: Workshops, collaborations, and peer mentoring
  • Collaborative Projects: Scholar-led initiatives and potential capstone project
  • Professional Development: Training in interdisciplinary teamwork and responsible research

Continuation & Alumni

  • Continued participation in year two is based on engagement and program contribution
  • Option to pause/move funding for one quarter within an academic year (with adjusted funding)
  • Access to a lifelong alumni network of data science and AI leaders across disciplines

Candidate Application

Eligible candidates can apply by submitting a CV, a Letter of Intent (LOI), and optional materials.

Criteria

  1. Research Excellence: Demonstrated skills and interests in advancing data-intensive scholarship, foundational data science, and human-centered AI
  2. Community Potential: Demonstrated skills and interests in connecting and communicating across disciplines, and contributing to a collaborative community
  3. Disciplinary Diversity: Representation across all departments within Stanford’s seven schools

Process

  • Faculty review of research quality and disciplinary contribution
  • Cohort selection by staff to ensure balance across all program criteria
  • Final approval by the institute leadership

Optional Materials:

  • Links to code, visualizations, articles, creative portfolios, or websites
  • Letter of recommendation from advisor, which comments on qualifications and scholars’ research plans

Submit Application   

Application Period: April–June 17 

Decisions: Mid-summer; program begins Fall Quarter