The University of New Mexico presents the Grand Challenges Initiative launch Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in SUB Ballroom C.

Grand Challenges are problems of global, national and regional significance that require researchers to work together across disciplinary boundaries to develop and implement solutions. Grand Challenges address problems that, when solved, have a significant positive impact on people and society. Research, innovation and collaboration are part of UNM’s DNA. As a flagship institution, the University will help create interdisciplinary collaborations and draw upon research excellence and creative innovation to address issues of importance to New Mexico.

“By addressing Grand Challenges, we will effect meaningful changes for our communities, our state and the world," said UNM President Garnett Stokes. "Grand Challenges broaden our student and faculty perspectives to better serve New Mexico and provide opportunities to collaborate through interdisciplinary research and problem solving."

The launch of this effort will include an introduction to the Grand Challenges Initiative, with facilitated discussion to determine broad areas of inquiry. Researchers interested in participating are encouraged to attend the launch and to bring ideas for how UNM can continue generating new knowledge and understanding for the social good. To identify the three Grand Challenge Conceptual Goals, UNM will publish a Request for Proposals in November of 2018, with a due date of Jan. 10, 2019.

These proposals will be reviewed by faculty and external reviewers, and submitted first to the Grand Challenge Steering Committee, and then to the UNM President for final determination. Grand Challenge Conceptual Goals will be announced in early February, 2019. Grand Challenge research teams and institutional committees will be formed shortly thereafter. 

In the spring 2019, UNM will select three Grand Challenge Conceptual Goals (two led by UNM Main Campus and one led by UNM Health Sciences Center), and will fund research planning grants for each. UNM will also leverage these goals to enrich learning and research for UNM students, and to further engage community stakeholders.

To RSVP, visit Grand Challenges Launch. To obtain regular updates, sign up for the listserv, Grand Challenges listserv.

Check the webpage on Nov. 14 for a live stream of the Grand Challenges Launch.

For more information about this initiative, visit Grand Challenges.