Renewed research theme
In addition to the new strategy, UC San Diego’s Office of Research and Innovation announced six new research themes that will guide and grow research across campus over the next 10 years. This element of the University’s ongoing strategic planning refresh will strengthen the impact of the University’s research and discovery and foster greater interdisciplinary innovation than ever before.
With input from more than 10,000 members of the campus community, six research topics evolve and expand on the first strategic plan implemented by Chancellor Khosla in 2014. articulated through a lens that aims to put the ideas into practice. .
Through these themes, we strive, individually and collectively, to ask and address the important questions the world faces today and tomorrow.
“These emerging research themes represent a collective vision for the future of our university. They draw on the diverse expertise of our faculty and the unique challenges we seek to address. It reflects that,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “We are confident that these themes will foster meaningful progress and encourage a collaborative spirit across campus.”
theme:
Deepen your basic knowledge.
Lead conceptual, theoretical, and experimental research that provides the basis for advancing scientific, social, and creative discovery.
Understanding culture and addressing social disparities.
Develop an understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and belief systems. Examine how institutionalized structures, policies, and practices contribute to historical and current inequalities. Promote collaborative approaches and respectful approaches to addressing social issues. and amplify the voices of marginalized people.
Shaping technology and engaging with technology.
Build the future of digital work, life, and education. Advancing technological systems and materials to secure the power of computational solutions such as artificial intelligence. Translating advances in computing to provide solutions to pressing societal problems. Prevent the negative impacts of new technologies while ensuring equitable access.
Protect Earth and explore space.
Understand the causes and impacts of evolving climate change. Developing solutions that improve environmental conditions to sustain our world and enhance environmental justice. And you will gain a deeper understanding of the larger universe.
The study of human knowledge, learning, and creativity.
Investigate the human brain. Study the influence of history, art, culture, and technology on the way we think and behave. and advance new models of education, knowledge and creativity.
Bringing groundbreaking advances in human health.
Improve human health. Reduce health disparities. Promote affordable health care systems that promote physical and mental health at the individual, interpersonal, and community levels.
Colin Peekasa, vice-chancellor for research and innovation, said: “The themes are designed to be broad and inclusive, ensuring that all of our disciplines understand their role in addressing these themes. I hope we can.” “With the help of our campus community, we have identified areas in which UC San Diego is uniquely positioned to make a difference. The aim is to create a support and funding framework to foster and sustain such efforts.
To that end, the new research theme will be supported by several key initiatives, including a series of initiatives and funding opportunities, with more than $5 million in funding to support campus research activities over the next few years. I am planning to do so.
New initiatives and planned activities
“Our new research theme is more than just a strategic priority, it is a call to action for our entire academic community. We are launching several initiatives, including the Innovation Challenge to revitalize the economy. At the same time, we will support innovative solutions to pressing global problems,” said Prime Minister Khosla.
The commitment and estimated schedule for applications, proposals and requests for information is as follows:
Faculty Ambassadors: Four faculty members will be selected to serve as ambassadors who will connect campus stakeholders to new topics and foster active discussion and engagement. Applications are now being accepted and will be accepted until October 22nd. Expected start date is December 1, 2024. The call for applications can be found at https://ucsd.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/1952517. Faculty Ambassadors are appointed with one appointment power. – Year term, renewable for up to three years, with optional subsidy each year.
Convening and Influence Award: Small grants (typically up to $25,000) are awarded to support grassroots gatherings aimed at increasing thought leadership on a topic. These events should be planned and led by multidisciplinary teams and produce dissemination materials such as white papers and policy briefs. Interdisciplinary Team Catalyst Award: A new award cycle will focus on developing interdisciplinary teams working on updated themes. Rather than research or developing pilot data, the project will focus on building a team of experts needed to address the most pressing issues within the topic. Applications will open in early 2025 and winners will be able to begin team-building work in summer 2025. Innovation Challenge: This initiative allows the Campus Innovation Accelerator to host events centered around research themes.
Further in the future
The university also plans to launch a program to encourage ambitious projects similar to Grand Challenge-type initiatives. These large-scale projects are supported to generate complex, interdisciplinary proposals that aim to address key research questions and challenges.
In addition, the university will issue a request for information (RFI) focused on “Future Core Facilities” and invite researchers to submit ideas for optimizing research infrastructure to best support new themes. .
Next fall quarter, these opportunities will be formally rolled out, and the university is encouraging feedback from the campus community as we move forward with discussions on the strategic plan.
Visit plan.ucsd.edu for updated research topics and details on how to get involved.
