Language Sciences Workshop Program

2026-2027 Call for Applications

Published
August 17, 2026

The Center for Language Sciences (CLS) invites proposals from University of Rochester faculty to organize a one-day interdisciplinary workshop during the 2026-2027 academic year.

The goal of the workshop program is to promote collaboration and intellectual exchange across the diverse fields that contribute to the language sciences. Workshops should bring together scholars working on a shared research problem, methodological approach, emerging area of inquiry, or interdisciplinary theme. Successful workshops will create opportunities for meaningful interaction among faculty, students, and invited experts while highlighting innovative language-science research at the University of Rochester.

About the Center for Language Sciences

The Center for Language Sciences brings together researchers from across the University of Rochester whose work contributes to the scientific study of language. CLS promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through lectures, workshops, research initiatives, and community-building activities that connect faculty and students across multiple departments and schools.

About Language Science Workshops

Funding Support

CLS will provide funding and organizational support for selected workshops, including:
  • Event logistics and local organization
  • Travel and accommodations for up to two invited speakers
  • Catering and participant meals
  • Event promotion and registration support

Workshop Format

Workshops should typically be structured as a one-day event and may include:
  • Invited keynote presentations
  • Faculty and student research talks
  • Panel discussions
  • Roundtable conversations
  • Collaborative working sessions
  • Networking opportunities

Proposed workshops should encourage participation from researchers across multiple language-science disciplines and promote interdisciplinary dialogue.

Eligibility

The lead applicant must be a University of Rochester faculty member affiliated with a CLS area:
  • American Sign Language
  • Brain and Cognitive Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Linguistics
  • Music Theory (Eastman School of Music)
  • Neuroscience and Neurosurgery
  • Philosophy

Collaborative proposals involving multiple faculty organizers are welcome.

Proposal Guidelines

Submit a word document containing the following sections/information:

Contact Information

For primary applicant and all collaborators:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • CLS department
Workshop Information
  • Workshop title
  • Proposal (1-2 pages) addressing:
    • The central topic or research question
    • The workshop's goals and expected outcomes
    • How the topic contributes to the language sciences
    • Its potential to foster interdisciplinary collaboration 
  • Brief workshop description for promotional purposes
Program of Events 

Provide a proposed timeline of sessions, including type of session, duration, and brief description.

Guest Speakers
For up to three desired guest speakers, provide:
  • Name
  • Institution
  • Email address
  • Website
  • A brief explanation/justification

Please rank speakers in order of priority; actual number of guest speakers will be determined by budgetary availability. 

Audience and Impact 
  • Relevant departments and programs
  • Benefits to the University of Rochester language sciences community
Dates 

Provide at least two proposed dates for the workshop, including all relevant scheduling information.  

Submission Information

Email proposals to cls@rochester.edu.

Submission Deadline: September 15

Submit application materials via email to cls@rochester.edu with the subject line “Language Science Workshop Proposal.”

Applications are due September 15, 2026.

All applicants will be notified of the fellowship decision by mid October.