Taking on Humanity’s Grand Challenges
Over the past three years, UMD's grants program has been accelerating solutions to pressing issues in our communities and around the world through education, research, creativity and service
A Worthwhile Investment in Research
The Grand Challenges Grants Program has led to unique experiential learning and research opportunities for more than 6,500 students, engaged a broad range of over 450 partners, and made a significant impact in our communities locally, nationally, and around the world.
Our Public Impact is Growing
50
Projects
450
Partnerships
$30M
UMD investment
$55M
In additional external funding secured
100%
Maryland counties benefited
6,500
Students involved
Areas of Research
Protecting our Planet
As weather grows more volatile, scientists from the Climate Resilience Network are working to protect Marylanders and their livelihoods through projects like the Mesonet weather tower network and a Hydronet sensor sensor system.
Strengthening Civic Foundations
The Maryland Initiative for Literacy and Equity have worked with teachers, staff and principals around the state to implement recommendations to help every student read and write proficiently.
Building Resilient Communities
Members of the Global FEWture Alliance apply their multidisciplinary expertise to projects like harvesting rainwater for urban agriculture, using energy-efficient water treatment methods and converting landfill waste into clean energy.
Advancing Technology for the Public Good
The team behind Music Education for All Through Personalized AI and Digital Humanities is designing and refining software that will use AI and computer vision to help students, teachers and parents evaluate progress in mastering musical skills..
IN THE NEWS
UMD Team Finds E. coli, MRSA Contaminating Potomac River After Sewage Spill
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AI Goes to School for Math-Instruction Study
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COVID ‘Long-Haulers’ Lack Reliable Information, UMD Study Shows
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Heart-Healthy Lifestyles Can Also Delay Brain Aging, UMD Researchers Find
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Tuna-Inspired Mechanical Fin Could Boost Underwater Drone Power
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Grand Challenges Grants program 2.0
As part of our efforts to further strengthen the resilience of our research enterprise, the University of Maryland announced in January 2026 a new, second round of awards.
The University of Maryland takes on humanity’s grand challenges, setting forth an ambitious agenda and vision to move our institution Fearlessly Forward in pursuit of excellence and impact for the public good.
Jennifer King Rice
Senior Vice President and Provost