Women’s health and the intersection of climate change and health are the two newest areas of focus in Bold Challenges’ Boost program to address pressing issues through interdisciplinary research partnerships.
These themes were developed to leverage the university’s research strengths and key federal funding levers.
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Bold Challenges will host two Pollination Workshops in November to provide researchers the opportunity to discover new collaborations and share external funding opportunities aligned with the two new themes.
“These themes are thoughtful and make good use of the depth and breadth of research expertise that exists across every corner of our institution, including the health system,” said Arthur Lupia, interim vice president for research and innovation.
“The central strength of Bold Challenges is its ability to bring together researchers from across the university and then work with them to identify how their expertise aligns with the greatest challenges of our time.”
A virtual Pollination Workshop on Nov. 8 will highlight the latest funding sources targeting climate change and health. Participants will be able to engage with peers, exchange ideas, form new collaborations and explore the development of interdisciplinary ideas.
The event also will connect researchers with representatives from the Office of Research Development, the Research Foundations Partnerships team, and other U-M centers and institutes that can provide resources and support to projects seeking solutions at the intersection of climate change and human health.
Collaborators interested in women’s health topics will meet at the Michigan Union’s Pendleton Room on Nov. 15 for a Pollination Workshop to learn about potential funding sources and form collaborative partnerships with other researchers, institutes and community partners working in women’s health.
“Bold Challenges helps researchers develop ideas and strategies, and supports them along the path to final submission of proposals,” said Jill Jividen, executive director of research development.
“In partnership with the Public Engagement and Research Impacts team, we’re connecting teams with collaborators with unique expertise and a diversity of perspectives, centering those most impacted by women’s health research.”
After both events, researchers can apply for seed funding of up to $10,000 from the Bold Challenges Initiative to develop ideas and build collaborative teams. Funding can be used for efforts like team development, workshops, hosting and community partner engagement and support. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2025.
In developing these new themes, Bold Challenges partnered with OVPR’s Strategic Intelligence team, established in June to forecast and analyze emerging research funding trends and better position U-M teams to successfully pursue large-scale funding.
More themes may be announced based on future information and forecasting from federal funding agencies.
Teams formed during Pollination activities may consider applying for the Bold Challenges Boost program for additional funding and team development support. Applications for Boost funding will open Jan. 6, 2025, and are due May 16. Accepted teams will be announced in June.
