The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
09/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2024 11:09
Grand Challenges Grants Announcement and Summit Information
Recipients of Type 1 Grand Challenges Grants; Type 2 Advancements Announced
Colleagues,
Today we are announcing the recipients of the 2024 Grand Challenges Type 1 Grants, a key initiative of the UT System to turn bold ideas into impactful action. We are also announcing Type 2 proposals that have been selected to advance to the next round of the competition.
These grants provide essential seed funding to address three pivotal areas: advancing K-12 education, strengthening rural communities and overcoming addiction.
A total of 27 Type 1 proposals, each eligible for up to $100,000 per project, have been awarded more than $2.6 million in funding:
- 10 grant awards in advancing K-12 education: $987,500
- 10 grant awards in strengthening rural communities: $965,000
- 7 grant awards in overcoming addiction: $682,500
The Grand Challenges Grants embody our commitment to tackling the pressing issues facing our state today. The passion, innovation and collaborative spirit demonstrated by our faculty, staff and researchers is truly inspiring. I am excited to see how these projects will make a tangible impact on the lives of Tennesseans and beyond.
Proposals were evaluated across several key categories to ensure the highest potential for transformative impact. Scoring focused on: the innovative and transformative nature of the ideas; the level of collaboration among team members, campuses and institutes; the anticipated impact of the proposed projects; their long-term sustainability; and the overall quality of the submissions. These criteria were designed to identify and support initiatives that not only address critical issues but also have the potential to create lasting positive change for Tennesseans.
Additionally, nine Type 2 proposals were selected to advance to a second round where they will participate in a pitch competition later this year. Type 2 proposals are eligible for up to $500,000 in funding per project.
Click the button below to see a complete list of Type 1 award recipients and Type 2 advancing proposals.
This year's Grand Challenge Grants competition saw 110 proposals submitted from teams across all UT campuses and institutes. These proposals were rigorously reviewed by a panel of experts, with the top-scoring submissions forwarded to the UT System Executive Leadership Team for final selection.
As we continue to build the greatest decade in UT history, these projects exemplify our collective effort to create a brighter future for all Tennesseans.
For more information about the Grand Challenge Grants, please visit Grand Challenges.
Randy Boyd
President, University of Tennessee System
The University of Tennessee Grand Challenges Summit
Collaborating to Strengthen Tennessee's Future
February 13-14, 2025
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Call for Presenters
The University of Tennessee System is seeking engaging presentations from University-affiliated faculty and staff for this summit. Share your insights and lead discussions by providing an overview of your work. This is your chance to contribute to the conversation and help shape the future of our state. Presenting teams or individuals encouraged to apply.
Deadline to submit proposals is Friday, Sept. 13.
Presentations must be related to one of the three Grand Challenge areas, but do not have to be connected to a Grand Challenges grant proposal.
The conference planning committee is seeking sessions that are engaging and informative as well as timely, research-based presentations. The committee will review and approve presenter applications. Presentations that address interconnections among the Grand Challenges areas will be given extra consideration.
Presenters will be notified in October.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact:
John Lacey
[email protected]