Published: June 7, 2017 By

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

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 isyourGrand Challenge?

CU Ƶ has its ownprogram, modeled after a national effort, focused on Earth and Space Science. The CU Grand Challenge,“”, 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 pathwaysto connect critical Earth andSpace Science knowledge to stakeholders and decision makers

·Work collaborativelyto solve problems ofnational and international importance.

·Build new infrastructure and capabilities

·Create new ways foreducation and training of students

·Increase the number offederal and commercial partnersengaged in CU Ƶ earth and space exploration efforts

So, keep thinking big! And apply before July 1. Click here more info on theat CU or.

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

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