The University of New Mexico's Grand Challenges Day is an opportunity to learn more about and join interdisciplinary research teams working on a variety of challenges facing communities in our state and around the world. Grand Challenges Day takes place Friday, Sept. 12, from 1-4 pm in the SUB Ballroom C. The day will feature a panel on private funding opportunities, followed by the introduction of this year's new Level 1 cohort and reports from Level 1 and 2 teams.
The panel discussion will focus on private funding opportunities and aims to provide the researchers with ideas about how to find and apply for foundation and industry resources. Panelists include:
- Assistant Vice President for Research Dave Hanson
- Research Translation Officer Anne-Laure "Anlo" Schmitt-Olivier
- Faculty Research Development Office Director Hannah Torres
- UNM Foundation Senior Director of Development Jim O'Brien
"Given the uncertainty surrounding the availability of federal research funding, many researchers are seeking alternative funding sources. We hope this panel will provide the UNM research community with new ideas about how to fund their work," Grand Challenges Senior Program Manager Tracy Wenzl said. "We're also really excited to launch this year's Level 1 program and introduce our six new teams to the world!"
After the panel, the program's six new Level 1 teams will give brief presentations on their plans for the next year. Following this, the three Level 2 teams will present on their research progress after two years in the program.
The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff and members of the community. There will be an opportunity for attendees to meet team members and discuss partnership possibilities. The day will finish with an informal social hour at Draft and Table from 4-5 p.m. – all members of the UNM research community are invited to attend. Many of the Grand Challenges teams would welcome new collaborators to share ideas and contribute to team research.
UNM's Grand Challenges program engages faculty, researchers, staff, and students across the University; grows and fosters a culture of collaboration and team research; increases team success by providing structured support and training; and continues to build UNM's capacity and reputation for discovery and innovation.
2025 Level 1 Teams:
- Disaster Resilience
- Multilingualism Matters
- Rural Perinatal Access
- Safer Streets
- Timescales of Biodiversity Change (Bio Time)
- Trustworthy AI
2023 Level 2 Teams:
- Child Health
- Just Transition to Green Energy
- Sustainable Space Research
