The Office of Research and Economic Development is hosting September events to kick off the second year of the Grand Challenges initiative and help the university community begin planning for the next cycle of the Grand Challenges Catalyst Competition.

Full details and registration are available on the Grand Challenges website. Multiple sessions are available for some events.

The Launch Lunch is Sept. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Nebraska Union’s Regency Suite. ORED representatives will provide an overview and update about the initiative; share lessons learned during the first competition cycle; and outline programming planned for the 2022-23 academic year. Attendees will have opportunities to network and build community around the seven Grand Challenges themes: anti-racism and racial equity; climate resilience; early childhood education and development; health equity; quantum science and engineering; science and technology literacy for society; and sustainable food and water security.

Lunch will be provided, and registration is required.

Those unable to attend the Launch Lunch are invited to the Virtual Launch on Sept. 14, noon to 1 p.m. The program remains the same as the in-person event, and participants will have opportunities to interact and network in breakout rooms. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link.

Registration is open for two virtual sessions of the Brainstorming Ideas Workshop, 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 and 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 29. Participants should register for the session that works best for their schedules. ORED is partnering with Knowinnovation to create a highly engaging, interactive experience that will help the university community begin developing ideas around the seven themes. This workshop also provides the groundwork for the Exploring Ideas Workshops Oct. 24-26 and is ideal for individuals and teams who are exploring ideas and seeking potential collaborators.

Upcoming events

• Oct. 3 — The updated request for proposals will be available on the Grand Challenges website.
• Oct. 5, 8-10 a.m. — Dinsdale Family Commons, East Campus: Request for Proposals Launch, with coffee, donuts and informal networking.
• Oct. 6, 8-10 a.m. — Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons, City Campus: Request for Proposals Launch.
• Oct. 11, 10-11 a.m. (virtual) — Town Hall meeting to address the 2022-23 request for proposals.

Multiple sessions of the Exploring Ideas Workshop will be offered. Participants are encouraged to attend one of the Sept. 28-29 Brainstorming Ideas Workshops first, as these workshops are designed to build on earlier discussions.

• Oct. 24, 1-5 p.m. (virtual) Exploring Ideas Workshop – Session 1. Also offered Oct. 25, this session is designed for individuals and teams exploring the possibility of submitting a planning grant.
• Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (virtual): Exploring Ideas Workshop – Session 2. Also offered Oct. 24, the session is for individuals and teams exploring the possibility of submitting a planning grant.
• Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (virtual): Exploring Ideas Workshop – Session 3. This session is for individuals and teams exploring the possibility of submitting a catalyst grant.
• Nov. 3, details to come: Developing Your DEI Plan Workshop.
• Nov. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Nebraska Union, Platte River Room: Grand Challenges Panel Discussion. This event is part of Nebraska Research Days.

For more information or questions, email grandchallenges@unl.edu.