Summer Fellowships in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Since 1959 the GFD program has promoted an exchange of ideas among researchers in the many distinct fields that share a common interest in the nonlinear dynamics of fluid flows in oceanography, meteorology, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, engineering and physics. Each year, the program is organized around a ten-week course of study and research for a small group of competitively selected graduate-student fellows. The overall philosophy is to bring together researchers from a variety of backgrounds to provide a vigorous discussion of concepts that span different disciplines, and thereby to create an intense research experience. For the student fellows, the centerpiece of the program is a research project, pursued under the supervision of the staff. At the end of the program, each fellow presents a lecture and a written report for the GFD proceedings volume.  Over its history, the GFD Program has produced numerous alumni, many of whom are prominent scientists at universities throughout the world. The interdisciplinary atmosphere of the Program is the ideal place for young scientists to learn the habits of broad inquiry, of speaking to others with very different backgrounds and viewpoints, and of seeking answers in unfamiliar places.

The Program commences with two weeks of Principal Lectures focusing on a particular theme in GFD. For 2022, the theme is "Data-Driven GFD" and the lecturers will be Peter Schmid (KAUST), who will concentrate on recent theoretical development of data-driven analysis techniques for fluid dynamics, and Laure Zanna (New York University), who will concentrate on the connections of these techniques to geophysically relevant flow systems.

Up to ten competitive fellowships are available for graduate students. Successful applicants will receive stipends of $7,494 and an allowance for travel expenses within the United States. A small number of unpaid fellowships may also be available for strongly qualified students who can support themselves financially. The application deadline is February 15, 2022. Awards will be announced by April 1, 2022. We seek applicants from all areas of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, and particularly encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. The intention is to hold the Program in person in Woods Hole if at all possible, following appropriate program and institutional COVID policies. It is expected that fellows will be in residence for the full ten weeks of the program, and that visitors will spend extended periods of at least one week participating in the program. Further information and application forms may be obtained at https://gfd.whoi.edu.