About the UCL Grand Challenges

The UCL Grand Challenges were created in 2009, with the aim of bringing together researchers from different faculties to collaborate on the pressing issues facing humanity. We believe that the problems facing society cannot be solved by one discipline or one university alone – the issues we seek to tackle demand holistic responses that recognise the complex and intersectional nature of human health, equality and development.

Programmes to suit your interests

Starting with the Grand Challenges of Global Health, Sustainable Cities, Human Wellbeing and Cultural Understanding, the programme has now grown to include two new programmes, focused on Justice and Equality and Transformative Technology. This interdisciplinary, mission-oriented approach has been a springboard for innovative collaborations; offering seed funding through the Small Grants initiative, and providing a strategic framework for ambitious cross-UCL responses, such as the latest challenge, Recovery from Covid-19.

How to get involved?

Throughout the year there are a number of ways to get involved with the Grand Challenges; including the Doctoral Students Small Grants scheme, events programme, summer school and more. You can follow our blog for updates on the programmes we support, and listen to our Soundcloud for podcasts on issues as diverse as structural inequality, Brexit, gender identity and migration.

Liz Almond, Head of Research Communications and Events