Grand
Challenges
Harnessing the power of UC Davis to holistically tackle wicked problems
Significance
Focuses on a challenge the campus community recognizes as a wicked problem
Global Solutions Start Here
Addressing our planet’s most complex issues requires new perspectives and visionary action. Grand Challenges is catalyzing our campus community to go beyond team science to holistically tackle wicked problems. We draw upon UC Davis’ enduring strengths, capacity for innovation, and culture of collaboration — bringing together world-class researchers from all areas of study to address the Earth’s most daunting challenges.
Big Picture, Grass Roots
Built from a foundation of grassroots work and prioritized by leaders across UC Davis, Grand Challenges cultivates and champions work to understand and find innovative solutions to complex issues. The work done by our campus community will serve as a global model and enable our world to move forward with equity and resilience.
Selection Criteria
The above challenges have been selected for our initial efforts. Nominations and suggestions for other challenges are open. To be selected, challenges must meet the following criteria:
Impact
Moves the needle toward better solutions using transdisciplinary collaboration
Expertise
Capitalizes on the talents of UC Davis and our unique strengths
Inclusivity
Provides opportunities for all disciplines, schools, and colleges to have a role
Nominated Challenges
News
Ingredients for the Food-ture: UC Davis Cooks Up Innovation
January 16-18: Campus experts hosted 3 food systems convenings At a university renowned for breeding a better-tasting strawberry and engineering a famine-ending variety of rice, a new food revolution is […]
Beth Rose Middleton Manning featured on “Face to Face” with Gary May
On November 28th, 2023, Grand Challenges Champion Beth Rose Middleton Manning was November’s featured guest on “Face to Face,” a monthly conversation series with Chancellor Gary May. They discussed Native […]
Grand Challenges Champion Wins Grant to Partner with California Indian Communities for Climate Adaptation
In an exciting new partnership, the University of California and the State of California are joining forces to fund over $80 million in climate action research that will help communities […]
