Taking on Humanity’s Grand Challenges
UMD’s grants program is accelerating solutions to humanity’s most pressing issues in our communities and around the world through education, research, scholarship, creative activities and service.
Grand Challenges Grants 2.0 Direct UMD Research to Societal Good
Program awards nearly $15M in grants, building on success of inaugural round
Grand Challenges’ First Round Impact
50
Projects
600
New partnerships
$30M
UMD investment
$100M
In additional external funding secured
100%
Maryland counties benefited
11K+
Students engaged
Generating $100M in Investments to Solve Global Problems
UMD kicks off second round of grants, awarding $15 million to 11 interdisciplinary research teams.
IN THE NEWS
Explorations
Ingestible “smart pill” could help patients say goodbye to colonoscopies.
Research
UMD Research Changes Lives: Baltimore, Prince George’s County leaders tap UMD scholar to map looming disasters.
Researcher’s 3D Model Warns of Flood Risks to Local Communities
Read More
Research
UMD Research Changes Lives: Hypertension and diabetes are stronger predictors in Black populations, study finds.
Researchers Develop AI Tool to ID Dementia Risk in Understudied Populations
Read MoreAreas of Research
Protecting our Planet
Developing innovative solutions to climate change, ecosystem protection, environmental resilience and the sustainable management of land and water resources.
Transforming Public Health
Advancing interdisciplinary research to improve health outcomes, expand health equity, strengthen disease prevention and address emerging global health threats.
Advancing Technology for the Public Good
Advancing ethical, trustworthy, and innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence and data science, to address complex societal challenges.
Building Resilient Communities
Creating interdisciplinary solutions that promote clean energy, resource efficiency and sustainable infrastructure to meet the needs of future generations.