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University of Maryland Grand Challenges Grants

Grand Challenges Grants

The University of Maryland has launched the Grand Challenges Grants Program - the largest and most comprehensive program of its type ever introduced at our university. Over $30 million in institutional investments will fund initiatives designed to impact enduring and emerging societal issues, such as climate change, social injustice, global health, education disparities, poverty, and threats to our democracy.

Learn about Grand Challenges Grants


10th
Among Public Institutions for Research & Development Spending
$1.1B
Combined Research Expenditures in FY20
16th
Overall in NSF Higher Education R&D Survey

Key Research Areas

Researchers discussing flooding

Climate Change

A global leader in the study of climate change, with faculty experts working across disciplines to understand the intersections of ecosystems, energy, human health and sustainable development and their collective environmental impact.

Learn more about our Climate research
Quantum computer lasers running during an experiment

Quantum Science

The University of Maryland is at the forefront of quantum research and innovation, and is committed to becoming the Capital of Quantum. Our quantum experts, including a Nobel laureate, are working with experts in engineering, computer science, innovation, entrepreneurship and business to advance this area in ways that will help define our nation’s—and the world’s—future.

Learn more about our Quantum research
Young girl holds hands with a robot at a market.

AI and Data Science

Data science and AI are making a significant impact in a number of sectors, including industry, government, health, and media. The University of Maryland has world-class expertise in these areas, including: machine learning, statistics, data visualization, natural language processing, algorithms, social scientific theory and analysis, and others.

Learn more about our AI and Data Science research
COVID-19 virus

Health

As one of the nation’s leading research universities, the University of Maryland is well positioned to advance and translate public health knowledge to improve health and well-being. Faculty and students are involved in a broad range of scientific endeavors and research centers whose focus spans from the cellular to the societal level.

Learn more about our Health research


Research News

Invention of the Year winners hold awards on stage with Testudo and UMD leaders

Device That Harvests Water From Air Named Top UMD Invention of the Year

Innovate Maryland Event Also Celebrates Work on Plastic Substitutes, Cancer Detection, Quantum Science
View Article Device That Harvests Water From Air Named Top UMD Invention of the Year
Pines speaks at podium

At UMD-Sponsored Summit, Pines Offers Vision for Growing the ‘Capital of Quantum’

Quantum Investment Event Focuses on Building Thriving Business Infrastructure Around Revolutionary Technology
View Article At UMD-Sponsored Summit, Pines Offers Vision for Growing the ‘Capital of Quantum’
collage of green plant, the Earth, and a hand writing the alphabet

$30M in Grand Challenges Grants Awarded

Funded Projects Pursue Global Good, Targeting Climate, Racial Justice, Energy and More
View Article $30M in Grand Challenges Grants Awarded

University of Maryland MPowering the State

The University of Maryland Strategic Partnership

MPowering the State (MPower) is a collaboration between the state of Maryland’s two most powerful public research engines: the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and the University of Maryland, College Park — to strengthen and serve the state of Maryland and its citizens. Since its creation in 2012, MPower has fostered hundreds of collaborations from across both institutions that are growing Maryland’s innovation economy, advancing interdisciplinary research, increasing educational benefits, and addressing the state’s most critical issues.

Learn about the latest research collaborations between the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore

Visit the MPowering the State Website

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