The ANU Grand Challenges Scheme is now open. The scheme invests in transformative research that will impact on the world's most intractable problems.
The Grand Challenges scheme is designed to build large-scale and long-term interdisciplinary research programs. It provides strategic investment in blue-sky and high-risk activities recognised for bold leaps rather than incremental steps.
Some of the most exciting and rewarding research opportunities, addressing the most pressing challenges facing the world, are cultivated in collaboration between disciplines and stakeholders.
The Grand Challenges Scheme will announce one winner each year from 2017-2021 and the winning project will receive up to $10 million.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Margaret Harding said the Scheme makes good on a core theme of the University's Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the need for research to contribute to the economic and general public good.
"The Grand Challenges Scheme provides support and incentives for researchers to take risks and partner effectively to ensure that our ideas have impact in all sectors," she said.
"A successful Grand Challenges team will focus the creativity and talents of researchers from a range of disciplines around one ambitious goal.
"I am excited to announce that while there will be one winner, through the process of the Grand Challenges Scheme, other compelling research initiatives will be identified and actively supported through the investment of ANU funds and resources."
The 2017 inaugural Grand Challenges Scheme winner was Our Health in Our Hands: Future Personalised Medical Technologies for a sustainable and effective Healthcare. The project aims to revolutionise personalised medicine through wearable sensor technologies with genomics, tailored to individual need, focusing on two global health priorities - diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The approach will ensure that health care can be provided equally and effectively.
Video submissions for the current round close on 7 June. If you have not yet submitted your video - now is the time! We strongly encourage you to submit your video early in the process to facilitate the cross-disciplinary collaborative nature and engagement of the scheme.
The final presentations from the 2017 three finalists are available here.
