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. Your nominations and suggestions for other challenges are welcome. 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 our campus and UC Davis’ unique strengths
Inclusivity
Provides opportunities for all disciplines, schools, and colleges to have a role
Nominated Challenges
Get Involved! Sustainable Food Systems Event Oct. 4
UC Davis Grand Challenges will host its inaugural campus convening on creating Sustainable Food Systems Oct. 4. Sustainable Food Systems is one of the first four Grand Challenges topic areas, and we want to connect with all faculty who are interested in contributing to real change in food systems. This first campus convening for Sustainable […]
Join Us for Grand Challenges: Harnessing the Power of UC Davis
Learn more about Grand Challenges by hearing about the initiative directly from those involved! Register now for a Zoom webinar moderated by Vice Provost of Grand Challenges Jonna Mazet and featuring each of the Grand Challenges champions. Discover how our expert faculty and researchers are unpacking the complex issues of climate change, UC Davis’ status […]
Grand Challenges Announces Initial Focus Areas
Climate change presents growing risks to life on Earth, personal decisions take on increased significance in an age of emerging health threats and antiquated food systems impact millions of lives every day. UC Davis is a model for universities around the world, and how we operate as a land grant university has never been more […]