The Connect programme
The Grand Challenges have a new name: the Connect programme
At the heart of our University's ethos is the belief in creating connections. We've renamed the Grand Challenges, and they are now known as the STEM Connect programme and the Social Sciences Connect programme.
The new names reflect how the programmes will better connect our people, bringing our communities together.
We're committed to creating an environment that will evolve with the needs of society, building dynamic spaces for our education and research to succeed.
We will achieve this by supporting our staff and students to deliver on this commitment, and by significant investment in our infrastructure.
You will start to see the new name appearing in the coming weeks.
Meet our new Connect programme leads
STEM Connect - Professor Mark Williams
Following a six month secondment, Professor Mark Williams will continue to lead the STEM Connect programme. Talking about the role and what the programme symbolises, Mark said:
"I am delighted to be taking on this important role going forward. The STEM Connect programme represents a huge investment for the University and will strengthen our world-class research and education through development of state-of-the art facilities where Science and Engineering will flourish. Being a part of this hugely ambitious project is very exciting and I look forward to working closely with everyone to deliver the vision."
Professor Emma Flynn, Provost, commented:
"Mark has made significant headway on the STEM Grand Challenge since he took up the interim role, and I am delighted that he’ll be continuing in this substantial role. I know colleagues across the University will join with me to work with Mark to deliver real-world solutions to address local, national and global challenges."
Social Sciences Connect - Professor Caroline Elliott
From 1 April 2024, Professor Caroline Elliott, Department of Economics, will be the new Academic lead for the Social Sciences Connect programme.
Caroline said about the new role:
"I'm delighted to be the academic lead on the Social Sciences Connect programme. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work with colleagues across the faculty, bringing colleagues together on research projects as well as in the creation of new interdisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. It is also a particularly exciting time to take on this role, with new Economics and WBS buildings being planned, and the refurbishment of current Social Science spaces."
Professor Emma Flynn, Provost, added:
"Identifying how Warwick’s Social Sciences can address the grand challenges faced by the world will be a key priority for us moving forward. I’m delighted to have Prof Elliott leading this initiative. She has an excellent understanding of the current activity within the Faculty as well as the opportunities for future impact, as well as established links into policy makers and key external partners."