Background and Objectives: Climate change and other stressors produce a continuous threat to the built and natural environment, human and societal health, and economic development. South Florida faces unique and acute threats including, but not limited to, rising sea levels, extreme heat, overpopulation, and over-exploitation of natural resources. While we unwittingly serve as a “living lab”, our University community can use this to leverage our diverse disciplinary perspectives to (a) deliver timely solutions in partnership with stakeholders including governments, businesses, universities, and the community, and (b) provide training for the next generation of researchers and South Florida residents. These aspirations form the mission of a new “Resilience Academy” at the University of Miami, in which fundamental and applied interdisciplinary research and education will be developed to build a more resilient society. This U-LINK challenge, following the spirit of last year’s challenge on Social Justice, is being issued to catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration to advance knowledge on the impacts of climate change and other stressors, and the development of practical solutions to meet society’s changing needs.
This call is intentionally broad and can appeal to all Schools and Colleges. We encourage and look forward to creative applications that demonstrate interdisciplinarity across multiple Schools and Colleges. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
- Adaptation to sea-level rise, including saltwater infiltration
- Protection against extreme heat, extreme winds, and storm surges
- Smart city services and infrastructure
- Building designs and codification; urban designs and codification
- Solutions to the blue economy using coastal ocean predictions and assessments
- Protection and restoration of natural resources and habitats
- Public health impacts of pollution and climate change
- Individual and societal well-being
- Gentrification and access to affordable housing
- Climate migration and refugees
- Infectious disease
- Social and racial equity
- Healthcare access and quality
- Pandemics
- Vulnerability and risk assessments
- Property Law
- Insurance and mortgages
- Real estate development
- Economic impacts of climate
- Infrastructure adaptation
- Relocation planning and managed retreat
We will fund up to 10 projects for a year covering up to $100,000 in eligible expenses per project. U-LINK teams who have the highest potential for success in generating preliminary outcomes and activities will have the possibility to apply for funding renewal.
To learn more about funding opportunities, or to apply, click here.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- October 22, 2021 – Resilience Challenge applications due
