The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking faculty and staff input to develop eight grand challenges that will guide campus’ strategic plan over the next five years.
Announced Nov. 10 in an email from Chancellor Ronnie Green, the grand challenges are major societal issues that the world is attempting to solve through interdisciplinary approaches. Green introduced the idea of the university taking on the grand challenges in his State of Our University address on Feb. 14. During the summer months, students, faculty and staff provided feedback on what challenges the university should focus on through a series of workshops, leading to the eight themes.
The eight grand challenge themes outlined by Green are:
- Anti-racism and racial equity;
- Climate resilience;
- Community and economic vitality;
- Early childhood education and development;
- Health equity;
- Quantum science and engineering;
- Science, engineering, and technology for society; and
- Sustainable food and water security
Faculty and staff volunteers are being sought to further flesh out the descriptions of each theme. The Office of Research and Economic Development will host three online sessions to help facilitate the writing process. The sessions will be held via Zoom.
- Nov. 19, 10 to 11 a.m.: Theme description writing kickoff meeting
- Dec. 1, 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Theme writing check-in meeting
- Dec. 8, 10 to 11 a.m.: Theme description handoff meeting
Register to help write a grand challenge theme description by filling out this online form. Responses are requested by 5 p.m. Nov. 16.
