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
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 in California mitigate and adapt to climate change. The funded projects were announced on August 23rd and involve more than 130 partners from across the […]
Innovation at the Heart of Council on Competitiveness Launch Summit
If the United States is going to remain competitive in the global economy, the country needs more innovations from more people, faster — and UC Davis can be a guide in many areas, speakers said March 27 during the first day of a “launch summit” hosted on campus by the national Council on Competitiveness. “Here […]
Howard-Yana Shapiro and Alfred Chuang to Co-Chair Advisory Board
We are excited to announce Alfred Chuang and Howard-Yana Shapiro have accepted roles as co-chairs of the UC Davis Grand Challenges External Advisory Board. Chuang is the Founder and General Partner at Race Capital and sits on Chancellor May’s Board of Advisors. Recognized by Andreessen Horowitz as the “Silicon Valley CEO’s CEO,” Chuang has shown […]
