Science focus on Five of Seven Grand Challenge Initiative First Round Projects Selected
As the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) enters its second year, George Mason University recently announced funding for seven catalyst research projects and the launch of the Grand Challenge Research Exchange—quarterly convenings for all GCI-related research to accelerate solutions to the grand challenge of our time. Our College of Science is a strong participant in the initiative, leading and collaborating in five of the seven new catalyst projects involving over two dozen of our scientists.
“We have placed our first bets on building a better future for humanity,” said President Gregory Washington. “These awards represent the very best of George Mason faculty research. They sit at a crossroads where the world’s greatest problems meet our faculty’s greatest research strengths to solve them. At a time when the world’s greatest challenges can appear to be winning, today the smart money is on George Mason professors.”
“This round of Grand Challenge Initiative funding reflects what the College of Science does best—bringing together bold ideas, deep expertise, and collaborators across disciplines to tackle problems that truly matter,” said Dean Cody W. Edwards. “From quantum science and space systems, to climate risk and humanitarian forensics, our scientists are not just advancing knowledge—they are building solutions with real-world impact. We’re proud to help lead an effort that positions George Mason at the forefront of shaping a more resilient, just, and prosperous future.”
College of Science projects, in collaboration with the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, College of Public Health, Costello College of Business, Scalia Law School, and Schar School of Policy and Government, and participating faculty include:
- George Mason’s Quantum Leap will expand George Mason’s strength in quantum hardware, algorithms, degree and training programs, and workforce development for Virginia’s emerging quantum economy. Principal Investigator: Patrick Vora
- George Mason University Space Center will design and launch small satellites that generate data for climate forecasting, disaster preparation, infrastructure protection, and scientific discovery, and expand degree and training programs. Principal Investigators: Anamaria Berea and Ferah Munshi
- Toward a Center for Aerial Intelligence and Digital Earth Histories will digitize and analyze unclassified historical aerial archives into usable digital data resources for research, education, and societal impact—laying the groundwork for a future full‑scale center. Principal Investigator: Dieter Pfoser
- Industry–University Working Group on Climate Change and Physical Risks will advance understanding of shifting climate hazards and develops practical tools that strengthen physical risk assessment and decision-making for the insurance, reinsurance, and finance sectors of the economy. Principal Investigator: Luis E. Ortiz
- Humanitarian Forensics and Peacebuilding will improve how human remains are located, identified, and reunified with families after conflict or disaster. Principal Investigator: Joseph DiZinno
The new seven catalyst projects were selected from 41 proposals, with more than 75 PIs, submitted across every college and school at George Mason, including Mason Korea. More than 35 external partner organizations were represented across submissions; 38 were transdisciplinary, and six involved five or more colleges working together.
“What makes the Grand Challenge Initiative so powerful is its focus on collaboration—across colleges, sectors, and communities—and the College of Science is proud to be a central partner in that work," said Edwards. "These projects not only address urgent global challenges, they also create unmatched opportunities for our students to learn, contribute, and lead at the intersection of science, policy, technology, and society.”
“George Mason's institutional investment underscores our commitment to high-impact, interdisciplinary mission-driven research,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “GCI positions research to build our enterprise and engage additional funders to deliver real-world change.”
To support all GCI-related research, including the 41-proposal cohort, through stages of development, George Mason is launching new quarterly convenings called the Grand Challenge Research Exchange. The first convening will launch this fall. Designed in partnership with the three Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact (ORIEI) Institutes and Mason Now team, these exchanges will feature industry keynotes, expert guest lecturers, and professional development workshops about leadership development, strategic planning, financial and program management, funding support, proposal and partnership development, and community engagements models.
“The College’s significant financial investment recognizes the strategic value of these efforts, contributing $1.29 million to support faculty hires and project success," Edwards said. "In addition, the ongoing training will be an excellent opportunity for all 18 of our GCI first round submissions to continue our high level of engagement in the Grand Challenge Research Exchange to continue to reap the strategic and professional development benefits going forward.”
George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative is a five-year campuswide initiative with an initial $15 million investment to mobilize interdisciplinary expertise and drive bold solutions for a changing world. The six solutions are advancing 21st-century education; building a climate-resilient society; driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure; improving human health, well-being, and preparedness; pioneering space exploration; and strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy. GCI will fund more than 20 solutions-based catalyst research projects over the next four years.
To learn more about how the College of Science is advancing bold solutions, visit science.gmu.edu/gci.
