Early childhood education and development
Quantum science and engineering
The Grand Challenges Initiative
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln community has identified seven grand challenge thematic areas in which to focus its expertise and resources, as outlined in the N2025 Strategic Plan. Now, faculty are charged with imagining how their areas of research, scholarship, creative activity and outreach intersect with these challenges and what specific opportunities within these areas they could work across disciplines to help solve. The Chancellor’s Office and the Office of Research and Innovation have committed $40 million over four years to invest in strategic, goal-based solutions.
Information about the 2025 Grand Challenges Catalyst Competition is available on the request for proposals webpage.
2024-2025 Schedule of Events
Grand Challenges Lunch and Learn
Nathan Meier, associate vice chancellor for research, capacity and competitiveness, will address questions about the 2025 request for proposals and the process for providing notice of intent to submit. Only catalyst proposals will be accepted in 2025, the final year of the initiative.
Faculty members who have Grand Challenges-funded projects will lead a panel discussion and share their tips for success. The panelists, all of whom lead catalyst projects, are:
- Galen Erickson, Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of animal science.
- Tomas Helikar, Eberhard Professor of biochemistry.
- Yusong Li, associate dean for faculty and inclusion, and professor of civil and environmental engineering.
