Grand Challenges

Connecting UC Davis expertise, resources, and partnerships to tackle the world’s most urgent problems

UC Davis Grand Challenges leverages the unique strengths of the University’s 11 schools and colleges to significantly and strategically advance solutions to our planet’s most pressing issues. We build transdisciplinary teams, coordinate campus resources, connect with external partners and community organizations, and pursue policy and funding support to accelerate and amplify the real-world impact of UC Davis research and translation. Grand Challenges is supporting UC Davis to think bigger, go further, and push for solutions to Earth’s wicked problems.

Emerging Health Threats

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed our dire need for preparedness against emerging health threats, causing widespread suffering and loss. At Grand Challenges, we understand that human health is intricately linked to our environment; our actions impact the ecosystem, which in turn affects our well-being.

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Climate Solutions

Climate change, with its rising seas and intense wildfires, demands urgent action. At Grand Challenges, we partner with the Environmental and Climate Justice Hub to leverage UC Davis’ expertise, fostering equitable solutions and resilience while addressing historic inequalities.

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Reimagining the Land-grant university

UC Davis, as a land-grant university, was built on land taken from Native tribes, a history we must confront and learn from. Grand Challenges is dedicated to advancing equity, creating opportunities for Native American students, and driving positive public impact through teaching, research, and service.

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Sustainable Food Systems

Feeding the world impacts climate and health, often leading to food insecurity. Grand Challenges uses UC Davis’ expertise to revolutionize food systems, promote equity, and protect ecosystems, driving sustainable agricultural innovations from the heart of California.

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Our Services

Providing recommendations and amplifying best practices from our partner network in pursuit of solutions to the four UC Davis-identified priority grand challenges
Identifying and connecting faculty, staff, and student expertise with the communities and representatives that need it most
Building transdisciplinary teams from our campus and partner networks to develop and respond to strategic research opportunities in pursuit of solutions to the grand challenges

Assisting faculty with grand challenge research applications and implementation of solution-oriented projects
Hosting of strategic convenings and communities of practice on timely issues of strategic importance
Tracking and accelerating the University’s local, state, federal, and international impact on human, societal, and planetary wellness

Grand Challenges

Connecting UC Davis expertise, resources, and partnerships to tackle the world’s most urgent problems

Emerging Health Threats

Climate Solutions

Reimagining the Land-grant university

Sustainable Food Systems

Our Services

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