# Collaborative Research: Statistical Modeling and Inference on Directed Network Data for Understanding Faculty Hiring Dynamics

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN) · $80,000

## Abstract

This research will advance the progress of science by creating a set of new statistical tools for analyzing complex networks that are fundamental to the nation's prosperity and welfare. Understanding the underlying structures of these networks is critical for making informed, data-driven decisions to promote better and higher productivity in academia. This project will analyze the complex networks of faculty hiring between U.S. universities to understand how factors such as institutional research productivity, geography, and field of study influence hiring dynamics. The outcomes will enhance the efficiency of the U.S. academic system and provide valuable insights for researchers and policymakers. A key guiding principle of this project is a commitment to broad engagement; all outreach, recruitment, and participatory activities are designed to be fully open to all Americans. The project will also create a faculty hiring dataset with open access to the public, release all new methods in a free software package, and develop training opportunities for the next generation of American data scientists.

From a technical perspective, this research will create a versatile statistical toolkit for analyzing weighted, directed networks, which pose significant challenges for existing methods. The investigators will develop four novel methodologies designed for commonly seen applications in analyzing the hiring networks. First, the project will establish a network-to-covariate regressio

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2515367
- **Awardee organization:** University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **PI:** Tianxi Li
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning Theory
- **Estimated total:** $80,000
- **Funds obligated:** $80,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2515367

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2515367, Collaborative Research: Statistical Modeling and Inference on Directed Network Data for Understanding Faculty Hiring Dynamics. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2515367. Licensed CC0.

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