RII's Big Idea Challenge calls on researchers to think big
Selected research teams can receive up to $125,000 per year for up to two years and support from RII's research development team.
The Office of Research, Innovation & Impact is launching the Big Idea Challenge – a new campuswide initiative designed to support transdisciplinary research teams using novel approaches to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. The program will award up to $125,000 per year for up to two years for three to four projects that align with the university's research priorities.
Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation
"The Big Idea Challenge is meant to transcend academic disciplines, support multicultural engagement and bring the U of A's institutional strengths together, while sparking collaboration globally with other universities, policymakers, economists, creatives and business leaders," said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and innovation. "This is how we tackle local and global challenges and accelerate practical solutions that impact society in tangible ways."
The program's research focus areas align with the university's mission as the state's land-grant institution. The six strategic research areas are: energy and environmental sustainability; defense and national security; the future of health and biomedical sciences; the human experience; space sciences; and data, information systems and artificial intelligence.
Selected researchers will gain access to strategic resources, including support from RII's research development team, to help identify external funding sources and connect project leaders to national policymakers. Relevant projects will be connected with Tech Launch Arizona for technology transfer guidance and Tech Parks Arizona for startup support. Awarded teams also will be connected with mentors from throughout the university who have successfully leveraged their ideas into externally funded projects.
Those interested in applying for the funding can find information on eligibility, proposal requirements and submission guidelines on the RII website. A recording of a Jan. 16 webinar about the Big Idea Challenge is also available.
Applications are due by March 26. Awards will be announced May 28, with funded projects set to begin July 1. For more information, email ResDev@arizona.edu or call 520-621-8585.