UNM Grand Challenges to host virtual Fall 2020 welcome back event
The University of New Mexico Grand Challenges will host a virtual Fall 2020 welcome back event on Zoom on Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to noon. During the event, the Challenge leaders will give project updates and announce plans for the upcoming academic year.
The Grand Challenges initiative began in February 2019 when UNM President Garnett Stokes announced the interdisciplinary three research projects aiming to solve problems of regional, national and global significance — sustainable water resources, successful aging and substance use disorders.
The Sustainable Water Resources Grand Challenge aims to create sustainable water infrastructure to combat the effects of climate change on New Mexico’s water supply. Their goal is to utilize resources from different disciplines to help people make better decisions when it comes to water.
The Successful Aging Grand Challenge aims to aid New Mexico’s aging population to maintain functional independence for a longer period by supporting independent living, creating lifelong education opportunities and prompting a healthy aging process. The project is additionally looking into aging in different populations to represent the diversity found in the state.
The Substance Use Disorders Grand Challenge aims to reduce the prevalence of substance use disorders in New Mexico, including building resilience in communities, utilizing technology to treat addiction and improve opioid prescription patterns among others.
Read more about the UNM Grand Challenges here. Link to register for the zoom event can be found here with the passcode Challenge.