Great Idea Dialogues take many, broad-ranging forms. They all ask questions that:

1. demonstrate global scope, 
2. are intellectually challenging,
3. have real-world implications, and
4. invite transdisciplinary collaboration.

Idea Dialogue proposers work together with Northwestern Buffett staff to curate a list of potential participants and invite them to attend.

The SDGs are important to Northwestern’s global mission because they provide a set of goals and priorities that are familiar to audiences across the world. The SDGs have an extremely broad scope. 

We aim to host 10 to 12 Idea Dialogues annually, and we expect three to five of those groups to participate in an Idea Incubation Workshop.

Northwestern Buffett staff reach out to Idea Dialogue participants to gauge their feedback. If participants determine that the conversation had enough enthusiasm, momentum, and potential, the group can participate in a subsequent Idea Incubation Workshop. 

No, the Idea Incubation Workshop is a possible but not a mandatory next step for Idea Dialogues. Some Idea Dialogues may result in future collaborations independent of Northwestern Buffett, though we appreciate former Idea Dialogue participants sharing their success stories with us.

Buffett staff work closely with faculty leaders to identify a list of invitees. We know that email can be time-consuming, so Buffett staff are very happy to send out invitations on behalf of faculty leaders.  

Yes, as long as their research and expertise pertain to the particular Idea Incubation Workshop group. Faculty leaders work with Buffett staff to identify the best experts, locally and internationally, to bring to the workshop. 

Yes. In fact, it is strongly encouraged that you do. 

It depends on the needs of the group, but Buffett can supply some funding to support external partner engagement during the Idea Incubation Workshops.

Probably! Faculty are encouraged to work together with Buffett staff to bring collaborators to campus for the workshop. 

Minimal for group participants; a bit more for group leads. Group participants are encouraged to think about the topic in between workshop sessions and to support the writing of the group’s proposal. Group leads will work closely with Buffett staff to prepare for each workshop and finalize the proposal leading up to the submission deadline.

The purpose of the Idea Incubation Workshop is to develop a proposal for new research and action. The real research therefore takes place after the workshop, not before it. 

No. If your proposal is successful, it will be up to the Working Group to collectively determine the group’s membership and leadership going forward.

Less Shark Tank, more a revamping of the traditional peer-review process associated with any grant proposal. The Idea Proposal is an opportunity to expedite both the grant-writing and grant-review processes. 

By inviting judges from within and beyond the university, we expand the “peer reviewers” to reflect the diversity of expertise necessary to make transdisciplinary research and action a success. Dialogue with the judges also offers groups the opportunity to garner valuable feedback on their plans moving forward.

The Idea Incubation Workshops are about much more than determining who Buffett should and should not fund. Though Northwestern Buffett cannot offer the full Working Group support and funding packing to each and every Idea Incubation Workshop group, it need not be the end of the road for groups we do not fund. Buffett offers partial “Catalyst” funding for select groups and can also provide some guidance and logistical support to unawarded groups that wish to reconvene and seek alternative avenues for funding their collaborative work.

The Idea Incubation Workshop judges change annually. In the past, they have included Northwestern faculty, trustees, donors, and senior administrators, as well as representatives of international organizations like the United Nations.

Working Groups receive a package of Northwestern Buffett support for up to two years. During this time, Working Groups should apply for external grant funding to further pursue their research.

The Northwestern Buffett Working Group support package is valued at more than $150,000 per year and includes funding, graduate assistantships, fundraising support, and administrative staff support for operations. Each Working Group works with Northwestern Buffett to determine the group’s particular support and resources needs. 

Each Working Group works together to determine the roles and responsibilities of its participants early in their planning process. In other words, you work with your group to decide on labor distribution and time commitments to the group’s project.

Working Groups offer faculty the unique opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with scholars from other disciplines and with practitioners, on shared projects that respond to critical global problems. Groups receive financial and administrative support, help making important connections, and guidance in navigating project obstacles and challenges. While participating in a Working Group may not in and of itself count toward tenure, Working Group connections, collaborations, and outputs are likely to bolster your tenure portfolio and better position you for a robust global professional career.