UCLA Grand Challenges

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Goals & Objectives

The UCLA Grand Challenges initiative aims to solve significant societal problems through large-scale, collaborative research efforts. The initiative currently focuses on two primary challenges: the Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, which aims to transition Los Angeles to 100% renewable energy, 100% locally sourced water, and enhanced ecosystem health by 2050; and the Depression Grand Challenge, which seeks to understand, prevent, and treat depression to significantly reduce its global impact by 2050​

Focused Areas & Countries

The Sustainable LA Grand Challenge focuses specifically on Los Angeles County, aiming to make the region a global model for sustainability. The Depression Grand Challenge has a broader focus, addressing depression-related issues globally​

Strategy

UCLA's strategy involves leveraging its academic and research strengths, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and engaging with public and private partners to develop and implement innovative solutions​

Funding Eligibility Requirements

Funding is primarily directed towards UCLA faculty and research teams, though the initiative also engages external partners and stakeholders. Collaborative projects involving multiple disciplines are encouraged​

Co-Funding Requirements

There are no specific matching funds requirements mentioned, but partnerships and co-funding opportunities are often explored to enhance the impact of funded projects​

Specialized Eligibility Requirements

Proposals typically require a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the ability to scale impact, and alignment with the specific goals of each Grand Challenge​

Call for Proposals Requirements

Calls for proposals are issued based on specific research needs within the Grand Challenges. Proposals must demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and potential for significant impact. Researchers are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines and with external partners​

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with the Grand Challenge goals, the innovative nature of the solution, potential impact, and feasibility. The involvement of interdisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement are also key considerations​

Other Requirements

Additional requirements may include engagement with local communities, demonstration of how the research will translate into practical solutions, and plans for scaling successful interventions​

Listed Initiatives & Application Open Dates

Current initiatives focus on the two main challenges: Sustainable LA and Depression. Specific funding opportunities and deadlines are announced periodically based on research priorities and funding availability​

Past Awarded Projects

Past projects include those focused on renewable energy solutions, local water sourcing, ecosystem health, and mental health interventions. Specific details on awarded projects, including principal investigators and their affiliations, are generally provided in annual reports and specific announcements​

Project Examples

The Sustainable LA Grand Challenge has funded projects focused on renewable energy and water sustainability. The Depression Grand Challenge supports research on mental health treatment and prevention.

Awardees

Primarily involves faculty and research teams from UCLA, such as the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability for the Sustainable LA initiative and the UCLA Depression Grand Challenge team.

Contact Information

Contact details for principal investigators can be found through UCLA’s Grand Challenges website or by contacting the UCLA Office of Research and Creative Activities​