Grand Challenges News for Researchers
Posted March 5, 2025 by Ashley Washburn
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will end its Grand Challenges Catalyst Competition early in consideration of increasing budget uncertainties.
Chancellor Rodney Bennett and Jen Nelson, interim vice chancellor for research and innovation, announced the decision in a Feb. 25 email to faculty and staff who have participated in the initiative aimed at developing strategic, goal-based solutions in seven thematic areas.
Proposals will not be accepted, and awards will not be issued in 2025, the initiative’s final year. Active, multi-year catalyst projects awarded in 2022, 2023 and 2024 will continue to be funded. Support for ongoing catalyst awards is contingent upon progress, as determined through an annual reporting process, and the availability of funds.
The Grand Challenges initiative has been supported with funds specifically earmarked for strategic research investments. As UNL faces significant uncertainty about federally sponsored research activities and growing budgetary pressures at the state and institutional levels, that funding may be needed in the coming months to bridge essential research infrastructure and services to ensure the continued safe, effective and secure conduct of research, Bennett and Nelson explained in their Feb. 25 message.
“We understand that the decision to end the Grand Challenges competition early will be disappointing and frustrating for the faculty that have worked incredibly hard to build teams, create a shared vision for their projects and prepare to submit a proposal for consideration,” Nelson said. “Current Grand Challenges projects have already made a difference in our communities and across the state of Nebraska. R&I is committed to continuing the momentum of this initiative and helping faculty find other avenues to explore their ideas for high-impact research and scholarship.”
Teams that had planned to submit a notice of intent to submit have been invited to engage in strategy sessions with R&I staff to brainstorm alternative funding opportunities for their projects and identify the next steps. Investigators should contact grandchallenges@unl.edu with questions or to schedule a strategy consultation.
