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
UC Davis Awarded $4.77M Grant to Convert Food Waste, Power Unitrans
University of California, Davis received a $4.77M grant this month from CalRecycle to upgrade its Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester, or READ facility. The facility can be used to produce renewable […]
Grand Challenges and the Exploratorium partner for new conversation series on Earth’s wicked problems
UC Davis Grand Challenges and the Exploratorium in San Francisco have joined forces to host Open Question, a new conversation series that highlights interesting perspectives and cutting-edge research around the […]
Big Wins for the Campus in the Grand Challenges’ Wicked Problems Focus Areas
Grand Challenges at UC Davis is making significant progress in its fight against the world’s “wicked problems,” including an expansion of its leadership team and funding for new research centers. […]
