George Mason University's Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) is a comprehensive research framework, backed by an initial five-year, $15 million investment, to align university resources, faculty expertise, and educational programs around six interconnected solution areas addressing humanity’s ultimate grand challenge. George Mason is now calling for new proposals that advance one or more of the university’s six Grand Solutions under the Grand Challenge Initiative.
The six Grand Challenge Solutions are:
- Advancing 21st-century education for all
- Building a climate-resilient society
- Driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure
- Improving human health, well-being, and preparedness
- Pioneering space exploration, research, and collaboration
- Strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy
Proposals should leverage George Mason’s talent, programs, and infrastructure that can have a transformative impact on one or more of the GCI Grand Solutions and catalyze future funding and growth. All individuals currently allowed to submit proposals under Mason’s Principal Investigators Policy 4012 are eligible to apply. Specific guidance on how to submit the proposal will be included in an updated FAQ before December 10, 2025. Proposals will be accepted January 1-February 2, 2026. Proposals will be due February 2, 2026, and awarded by April 30, 2026, with funding beginning as early as June 1, 2026.
A virtual GCI RFP Town Hall and Q&A was held on October 21st and the recording link can be found here.
CHSS Faculty that are interested in submitting a GCI Proposal should contact the Associate Dean for Research at chssadr@gmu.edu.
More information is available in GCI Request for Proposals (RFP) and the FAQs document.
October 21, 2025