Call for proposals to support INFORMS Student Chapters activities focused on Quality, Statistics, and Reliability (Fall 2026)
The INFORMS Quality, Statistics, and Reliability (QSR) Section is excited to announce a call for proposals for funding to support activities organized by INFORMS Student Chapters. We invite all INFORMS Student Chapters to submit proposals for events and initiatives that highlight and promote aspects of Quality, Statistics, and Reliability (QSR).
Objectives. This grant aims to:
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Encourage sustained student engagement with the QSR Section by connecting participants with QSR programs, professional development opportunities, webinars, and other ongoing initiatives. See details here: https://connect.informs.org/qsr/home.
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Foster learning and professional development of INFORMS students through seminars, workshops, tutorials, and social events.
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Support innovative and impactful activities that enhance the understanding and application of QSR principles. These activities could include seminars, workshops, tutorials, networking and social events, or competitions and challenges.
Funding Details. One or more chapters will be selected for funding with a maximum budget of $300 per chapter. Student chapters must organize planned events in the Fall 2026 and submit the activity report (see next page) for reimbursement of the expenses.
Submission Deadline. To be considered for funding, chapters must submit their application package by July 31, 2026.
Proposal Requirements
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Proposal Title and Summary: A concise title and a summary of the proposed activity (max 250 words).
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Objectives: State the objectives of the event and how it aligns with the QSR focus.
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Detailed Description: Outline the activity, including the format, number of participants, content, and schedule. The proposal must include a specific plan for introducing participants to the QSR Section and encouraging continued participation in other QSR activities. This plan may include promoting QSR Tutorial Series, QSR Webinar Series, QSR social media channels, and other activities, or attending QSR-hosted sessions at conferences. Proposals should identify at least one concrete follow-up action through which participants will remain engaged with the QSR community after the funded event.
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Budget Breakdown: Provide a detailed budget with itemized costs and justification for each expense.
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Chapter Activity: Provide a brief description of the chapter's recent activity, such as recently hosted events, social media or web presence, or other evidence that the chapter is currently active. Indicate how many current chapter members are QSR members.
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Timeline: Include a proposed timeline for planning and executing the activity.
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Team Members: List the names and roles of student chapter members involved in organizing the event.
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Proposals should not exceed 3 pages with 11 point font and 1 inch spacing.
Eligibility, Submission Process and Award Notification:
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Teams receiving the funding should have at least one QSR student member representative. Chapters may use the funds to pay for their student membership fee ($6 for students) and will be reimbursed. Details for joining QSR Division can be found here: https://connect.informs.org/qsr/join-qsr3.
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Submit your proposal as a single PDF document via email to mkim3@ufl.edu with the subject line: "INFORMS QSR Proposal – [Your Chapter Name]" by July 31, 2026.
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Ensure all sections of the proposal are clearly labeled and organized.
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Selection priority will be given to proposals that promote sustained engagement with the QSR Section rather than focusing solely on a one-time event.
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Successful proposals will be notified by August 17, 2026.
Post-Activity Report:
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Grant recipients are required to submit a brief report summarizing the event outcomes and the impact on participants. The report must be submitted to request expense reimbursement.
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The report should describe how the chapter promoted other QSR activities and identify any follow-up participation resulting from the funded event, such as new QSR student memberships, attendance at QSR webinars, or engagement with QSR social media and networking opportunities.
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Please provide the photos of the events, and the names and email addresses of participants.
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Recipients are expected to acknowledge the support of the INFORMS QSR Student Chapter in any social media posts or public communications related to the funded activity. When appropriate, recipients are encouraged to tag the official INFORMS QSR social media page (e.g., LinkedIn).
For any questions or further information, please contact
Dr. Minhee Kim at mkim3@ufl.edu
Dr. Ahmed Aziz Ezzat at aa2085@rutgers.edu
We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals and supporting your efforts to advance Quality, Statistics, and Reliability within the INFORMS community!
INFORMS Quality, Statistics, and Reliability Section
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Minhee Kim
Assistant Professor
University of Florida
Gainesville FL
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