Cross-Cutting Themes

Cross-cutting themes are the threads that tie our challenges together – shared perspectives and tools that help us tackle complexity and create solutions that endure.

At UC Davis Grand Challenges, cross-cutting themes provide the foundational perspectives and tools that extend across and unite our challenge areas. These themes act as connective threads, shaping how we define complex problems, guiding the ways we build sustainable and equitable solutions, and sparking creativity through collaboration. By weaving them throughout each challenge, UC Davis amplifies impact and opens new pathways for transformative change at local, national, and global levels.

Featured Projects and Initiatives

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence provides powerful tools for analyzing vast datasets, modeling complex systems, and developing targeted interventions that can address the four UC Davis Grand Challenges. As a cross cutting initiative, Grand Challenges is working with UC Davis to harness the power of AI to enable the detection of patterns and insights beyond human capacity, accelerate scientific discovery, and help coordinate responses to the world’s wicked problems.

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Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

UC Davis Grand Challenges promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion by elevating diverse voices, building inclusive networks, and creating collaborative spaces that connect people across disciplines. This approach ensures community-centered solutions and broad participation in addressing complex global challenges.

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Wellness

UC Davis Health’s Office of Wellness Education provides trusted, science-based resources through its Wellness in the Public Interest platform and free Wellness Academy lecture series. It supports healthy choices, resilience, and prevention while recognizing innovation through the Jacquelyn Anderson Wellness Innovation Award.

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Cross-Cutting Themes