Insecurity and Priorities · Brojo: The Integrity Army

Insecurity and Priorities

I realized an important thing regarding a link between today's lesson and something Brojo had told me.

I have a research collaboration with Universities, government institutes, etc. in Kenya to do AI for optimizing Agroforestry. I applied to a European Horizon grant but didn't receive it, and will try again for an ERC, which is a different but still very competitive funding source, with a deadline in January

After a professional deadline this Sep 1, it seems logical that this, and research towards papers submitted that are topical could help my effort, including my own and ongoing collaborations with Kenya, should be the priority for me professionally. It would be meaningful and fulfilling to do the work described in the proposal, as far as using math to improve the lives of smallholder farmers, and even the preliminary work would be interesting and useful.

But I think a combination of self doubt as to the probability that I'll get this project funded and so concern about getting overinvested emotionally, as well as concern that others would get upset if I postpone work with them that isn't related until the proposal deadline, is nagging as far actually making it the rightful priority post Sep 1. And statistically of course, the expected gain of positive "utility" is highest if I do prioritize. Also they are counting on me there to give it my all, from the community farmer organizations to the Ministry of Water, so as a matter of integrity it's also what I need to do. So I hope to report later updates commenting on this post as to my efforts towards this struggle.

Thanks for helping with getting me to this insight Dan!

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