Making a difference—Share the vision of the U’s cross-disciplinary work in addressing world problems 

Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Karen Hanson spoke at the UMRA Luncheon in February; she described the development of the Grand Challenges Research Strategies, designed to build clusters of cross-disciplinary researchers to attack really big world problems.

The strategy was, and is, to identify challenges about which the U of M faculty have considerable strength, and, by working together, can contribute considerable knowledge.

Provost Hanson enthusiastically embraces the idea that cross-disciplinary work is necessary if we are to make a difference in the world. She looks forward to encouraging faculty to participate in producing some quick wins in each of the five major categories: Assuring clean water and sustainable ecosystems; Feeding the world sustainably; Advancing health through tailored solutions; Enhancing individual and community capacity for a changing world; and Fostering just and equitable communities.

Addressing the question: what role can retirees play in the success of the strategic plan, she suggested “reciprocal engagement.”  We, as retirees, can be champions for the plan with our colleagues, our community, and the Legislature. We can share the vision with people we know in local private companies. She emphasized that communication about the work at the U of M is every bit as important as the research itself. The Grand Challenges arise out of a changing state, nation, and world. The considerable experience and wisdom that is shared among retirees can be extremely valuable in supporting the ongoing contributions of the U.

— Jean Kinsey, UMRA President