University of Colorado Boulder unveils five Big Ideas for future research

The University of Colorado Boulder has unveiled its first five ‘Big Ideas’ as part of a new initiative to address global challenges over the next 150 years. Launched by Chancellor Justin Schwartz, the program aims to invest in the most ambitious research and innovation proposed by the university’s faculty, staff, and students.

The five selected areas for incubation focus on diverse critical questions: mitigating the devastation of fire and drought, establishing a global space ecosystem, developing sustainable AI, mapping the brain to prevent illness, and integrating the arts and humanities into solving societal challenges.

A campuswide working group, co-chaired by professors Stefanie Johnson and Waleed Abdalati, selected these ideas from over 800 submissions to ensure they leverage the university’s interdisciplinary strengths.