Published: June 7, 2017 By

Grand Challenge Call for Proposals 2017

Science and engineering are all about thinking big. And if you like thinking big, then pay attention to this July 1 deadline.

What are Grand Challenges?

Grand Challenges are ambitious but achievable goals that harness science, technology, and innovation to solve important national or global problems and that have the potential to capture the public’s imagination. Setting a “North Star” goal can help galvanize support for your research and act as a focal point for collaboration.

What is your Grand Challenge?

CU Boulder has its own Grand Challenge program, modeled after a national effort, focused on Earth and Space Science. The CU Grand Challenge, “Our Space, Our Future”, builds on and expands the progress of current programs and efforts, which include Earth Lab, Integrated Remote and In Situ Sensing (IRISS), the university's Space Minor and the Center for the Study of Origins. 

The call for proposals is expected to fund one large research initiative at approximately $1 million per year for three to five years and one or two smaller projects at $250K per year for three to five years. Proposals can have direct and strong ties to existing Grand Challenge projects or represent new and complementary additions to the portfolio.

The goals of CU’s Earth and Space Science Grand Challenge is to:

·         Develop pathways to connect critical Earth and Space Science knowledge to stakeholders and decision makers

·         Work collaboratively to solve problems of national and international importance.

·         Build new infrastructure and capabilities

·         Create new ways for education and training of students 

·         Increase the number of federal and commercial partners engaged in CU Boulder earth and space exploration efforts

So, keep thinking big! And apply before July 1. Click here more info on the Grand Challenge program at CU or here for the proposal details

Bobby Braun is dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Sign up for updates