---
title: Research That Serves the Public Good
date: 2026-10-21T00:00:00-04:00
author: Bradley Bower
canonical_url: "https://provost.umd.edu/news/research-that-serves-the-public-good"
section: News
---
# Research That Serves the Public Good

*October 21, 2026* — by Bradley Bower
> Sent to the UMD Community on October 21, 2026

<span>Dear Terrapins,</span>  
  
<span>Three years ago, the University of Maryland launched the </span>[Grand Challenges Grants Program](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABp7ImQiOjUwMzYsInQiOjEzNjIsInMiOjExfQALAAAAAAYC8RmzO9nnmoZaj6m3Wv_AYhEH6lTO7tVhF52dWxNcjKhTIFbOaxNgomIisYjnJNOSmMu050RuGiailj9h4myWwYAPCdYpE3gijA "Grand Challenges Grants Program")<span> to bring together faculty across disciplines to accelerate solutions to society’s most pressing issues. </span>  
  
<span>Since then, our researchers have expanded partnerships, created new opportunities for students and communities, and secured nearly $100 million in additional external funding.</span>  
  
<span>We hope you’ll take a minute to watch this video to learn more about the impact of this work and the collaborative spirit driving it forward.</span>


[Grand Challenges Grants Program](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf0hIOt8UZU)


<span>This momentum continues with </span>[Grand Challenges Grants 2.0](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABp7ImQiOjUwMzYsInQiOjEzNjIsInMiOjExfQALAAAAAAYC8RmzPc_hMmdaJdwRIx5E73O38R3OtM8FNnOv_OAPD2N9hdC0Nz2qCWHVMuT9ZaQJVn2cRG9rz3spXT8hRu9JJvr-quRV_VY8RQ "Grand Challenges Grants 2.0")<span>, which invests more than $15 million in 11 new interdisciplinary projects over the next three years. The projects address a wide range of topics, including mental and women’s health, pandemic prevention and drug-resistant infections, cancer treatment, gut health, immigrant and refugee inclusion, indoor air quality, saltwater pollution, sustainable shellfish farming, and the environmental, economic and national security implications of AI infrastructure. </span>  
  
<span>Together, they demonstrate what is possible when we bring together expertise from across campus to advance research and serve the public good.</span>  
  
<span>Thank you for the work you do to make Maryland a place where fearless ideas become meaningful impact.</span>  
  
<span>Sincerely,</span>


**Signature of Jennifer King Rice**

**Jennifer King Rice**  
*Senior Vice President and Provost*



**Patrick O&#039;Shea Signature**

**Patrick O'Shea**  
*Vice President for Research*