SUMEX-AIM RESOURCE
INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL USERS

National users may gain access to the facility resources
through an advisory panel for a national program in Artificial
Intelligence in Medicine (AIM). The AIM Advisory Group consists of
members-at-large of the AI and medical communities, facility users
and the Principal Investigator of SUMEX as an ex-officio member. A
representative of the National Institutes of Health-Biotechnology
Resources Program (NIH-BRP) serves as Executive Secretary.

Under its enabling 5-year grant, the SUMEX-AIM computing
resource is allocated to qualified users without fee. This, of
course, entails a careful review of the merits and priorities of
proposed applications. At the direction of the Advisory Group,
expenses related to communications and transportation to allow
specific users to visit the facility also may be covered.

USER QUALIFICATIONS

The SUMEX-AIM facility is a community effort, not merely a
machine service. Applications for membership are judged on the basis
of the following criteria:

1) The scientific interest and merit of the proposed research
and its relevance to the health research missions of the
NIH.

2) The congruence of research needs and goals to the AI
functions of SUMEX~AIM as opposed to other computing
alternatives.

3) The user’s prospective contributions and role in the
community, with respect to computer science, e.g.,
developing and sharing new systems or applications programs,
sharing use of special hardware, etc.

4) The user’s potential for substantive scientific cooperation
with the community, e.g., to share expert knowledge in
relevant scientific specialties.

5) The quantitative demands for specific elements of the SUMEX-
AIM resource, taking account of both mean and ceiling
requirements,

In many respects, this requires a different kind of information
for judgment of proposals than that required for routine grant
applications seeking monetary funding support. Information furnished
by users also is indispensible to the SUMEX staff in conducting their
planning, reporting and operational functions.
The following questionnaire encompasses the main issues
concerning the Advisory Group. However, this should neither obstruct
clear and imaginative presentation nor restrict format of the
application. The potential user should prepare a statement in his
own words using previously published material or other documents
where applicable, In this respect, the questionnaire may be most
useful as a checklist and reference for finding in other
documentation the most cogent replies to the questions raised,

For users mounting complex and especially nonstandard systems,
the decision to affiliate with SUMEX may entail a heavy investment
that would be at risk if the arrangement were suddenly terminated,
The Advisory Group endeavors to follow a responsible and sensitive
policy along these lines--one reason for cautious deliberation; and
even in the harshest contingencies, it will make every effort to
facilitate graceful entry and departure of qualified users.
Conversely, it must have credible information about thoughtful plans
for long-term requirements including eventual alternatives to SUMEX-
AIM. SUMEX-AIM is a research resource, not an operational vehicle
for health care. Many programs are expected to be investigated,
developed and demonstrated on SUMEX-AIM with spinoffs for practical
implementation on other systems. In some cases, the size, scope and
probable validation of clinical trials would preclude their being
undertaken on SUMEX-AIM as now constituted. Please be as explicit as
possible in your plans for such outcomes.

Applicants, therefore, should submit:

1) One to two-page outline of the proposal.

2) Response to questionnaire, cross-referenced to supporting
documents where applicable.

3) Supporting documents.

4) List of submitted materials, cross-referenced,

We would welcome a draft (2 copies) of your submission for
informal comment if you so desire. However, for formal consideration
by the SUMEX-AIM Advisory Group, please submit 13 copies of the
material requested above in final form,

SUMEX-AIM COMPUTER PROJECT ~ Room TB-105
Stanford University Medical Center
Stanford, California 94305

(415) 497-5141