
Provost Ian Baucom and Vice President for Research Melur K. “Ram” Ramasubramanian lead the Grand Challenges, including the latest initiative involving health and digital technology. (Photos by Dan Addison, University Communications)
In addition, four other potential areas of focus have been identified within the realm of health and digital technology. They are: precision health for populations; digital technology and democracy; smart communities (associated with electronic connectedness); and digital technology and youth development.
“UVA has strengths in each of these four areas,” Ramasubramanian said. “We believe that by bringing faculty together from different disciplines around a common problem, we can unleash our potential to become preeminent in these areas.”
Possibilities abound for the research. In the development of “smart” communities, for example, researchers might ask how networked sensors and technologies could help communities become safer, more resilient and more equitable.
UVA’s research leadership seeks diverse, creative research ideas and invites the suggestions of all faculty as the goals and projects are further defined.