In its inaugural year, the University of Arizona Big Idea Challenge has generated strong engagement, with 72 proposals submitted by convergent research teams representing 19 units across campus and a broad range of career stages—from undergraduate students to senior faculty. Administered by the Office of Research, Innovation and Impact, the new initiative is designed to catalyze high-impact, large-scale research efforts that can secure major external funding and deliver meaningful outcomes for Arizona and the world.

“The response to the Big Idea Challenge reflects the innovative and cross-cutting thinking that defines our research enterprise,” said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and innovation. “These proposals are now undergoing rigorous evaluation by independent panels of subject matter and regional experts, using a consistent and thorough rubric to help identify the ideas with the greatest potential for impact.”

Proposals address six strategic research areas: data, information systems and artificial intelligence; defense and national security; energy and environmental sustainability; the future of health and biomedical sciences; the human experience; and space sciences.

By mid-April, finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of distinguished reviewers in mid-May. Final award decisions will be announced on May 28, with selected projects launching July 1, 2025.

As the U of A continues its longstanding excellence in transdisciplinary research and innovation, the Big Idea Challenge serves as a powerful incentivization for turning creativity, collaboration and purpose into actionable solutions that tackle issues that affect people and communities everywhere.