University at Buffalo (UB)
Global Innovation Challenge
Participate in UB's annual Global Innovation Challenge to design effective ways to communicate science in a complex world.
Project description
The 2020 Global Innovation Challenge (January 21-25, 2020) will focus on how we communicate complex issues. For example, how should we share new genetic and genomic research and information, reveal the hidden dangers of pollutants in our food, homes, and neighborhoods, and ethically persuade people to heed warnings of imminent threats, such as epidemics and extreme weather events?
Communicating these complex issues, while separating fact from fiction, is challenging. Cultural differences, literacy levels, political motivations, and new media platforms complicate this further. The public is uncertain whom and what to believe. We need innovative, novel ideas from all UB students.
The annual Global Innovation Challenge is a competition and course open to all undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nontraditional students.
In Spring 2020, for this one week, participants will engage in team-building and creative problem-solving activities with international experts and UB faculty. The winning team receives mentorship and funds to implement their ideas.
The course aligns with UB Curriculum pathways. Undergraduate students can register for 1 credit (END 418) or 3 credits (END 357). Similarly, graduate students can register for 1 credit (END 518) or 3 credits (END 557). All students registering for 3 credits will complete additional activities in a distance-learning format during the spring semester. Alternatively, students who do not enroll in the course can register for a fee.
Project outcome
Students will work in teams, each team will be encouraged to focus their proposed strategies toward a manageable scale—a project that the team can carry out over the next two semesters. After a week of creative problem solving, team-building, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of students, faculty and international guests, teams will compete for chance to win funding to implement their ideas. More information is available on the website.
Project details
| Length of commitment | One week to one semester, depending on level of engagement |
| Start time | January |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Academic credit; Funding for the winning team |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from all disciplines |
Core partners
- The course will be organized by the UB Community for Global Health Equity, with faculty fellows and international experts to guide students throughout the week.
Project mentors
Korydon Smith
Professor and Chair
Dept. of Architecture
Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Urban and Regional Planning
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
- Read the field guide prior to the event.
Keywords
Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning