The Office of Research and Economic Development is offering a virtual Grand Challenges Micro Lab, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 2.

The lab is designed to help scholars connect and prepare for the first Grand Challenges Catalyst Competition. Register to receive a Zoom link.

Research and Economic Development has partnered with Knowinnovation to create a highly engaging, interactive event that will provide opportunities for networking and developing preliminary research ideas in response to the seven Grand Challenge themes. A lunch break will be provided.

This virtual event is being offered in lieu of the three-day, in-person scoping workshop initially planned, which was postponed to avoid hosting a large group at this stage of the pandemic. Instead, the Micro Lab will provide the groundwork for an in-person scoping workshop to be rescheduled later in 2022.

Other important Grand Challenges dates:

• Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to noon — Grand Challenges Virtual Town Hall. Register to receive a Zoom link.

• Feb. 28 — Deadline to provide notice of intent to submit a proposal.

• April 29 — Deadline to submit proposals.

For more information, send email to grandchallenges@unl.edu.