Global Challenge Interdisciplinary Program
Global Challenge Interdisciplinary Program

From Interdisciplinary Insight
to Actionable Impact.

A comprehensive research initiative focused on addressing global challenges through systems thinking

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01
About GCIP

Research for Real-World Impact

The Global Challenge Interdisciplinary Program (GCIP) focuses on global challenges (like climate change, poverty, and clean energy). The program guides students in thinking outside the bounds of single disciplinary approaches to solving these challenges. Students are encouraged to integrate multidisciplinary perspectives and methodologies in their research.

The program aims to cultivate future change-makers who can understand complex problems and have both the skills and the drive to create tangible change.

02
Program Focus

Real-World Problems / Real-World Solutions

GCIP focuses on significant real-world problems, such as those articulated in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GCIP projects focus on investigating complex problems in depth, and proposing potential solutions to them. The program emphasizes the practical impact of research.

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Research Areas

Interdisciplinary Research Directions

The following 20 interdisciplinary research directions represent common areas of focus in our program. Each year, we also offer more novel and emerging research topics based on the specific projects and expertise of our academic and industry mentors. The exact research topics available will depend on the current research interests and ongoing projects of our mentor network.

Cultural Heritage Preservation and Globalization

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Ethical AI Governance and Social Impact

Migration Studies and Social Integration

Education Innovation and Future Skills

Mental Well-being in the Digital Age

Social Entrepreneurship and Community Development

Digital Inclusion and Technological Equity

Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing

Global Health Equity and Pandemic Preparedness

Climate Resilience and Urban Adaptation

Circular Economy and Zero-Waste Systems

Renewable Energy Transition and Energy Justice

Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration

Food-Water-Energy Nexus Security

Sustainable Transportation and Smart Mobility

Plastic Pollution and Marine Ecosystem Protection

Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Water Security and Transboundary Resource Management

04
Core Features

Three Pillars of Impact

Our interdisciplinary approach ensures students develop the systems thinking and practical skills needed to become effective change-makers.

Problem-Focused Mentoring

Academic and industry mentors help students understand the multi-dimensional nature of complex problems and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches to solving them, and help them assess the feasibility and the potential impact of their proposed research.

Interdisciplinary/Systems Thinking

The program develops students' ability to integrate ideas from different disciplines. It also fosters their systems thinking and their capacity for innovation.

Impact-Oriented Outcomes

The program emphasizes the "call to action" value of research, helping students to develop projects with the goal of fostering real-world impact.

05
Outcomes & Structure

A Structured Path to Tangible Outcomes

Our programs guide you through a structured, four-stage research journey, culminating in a portfolio of impressive outcomes. Under the expert guidance of our dual academic and industry mentors, you will progress from building a solid research foundation to producing a high-quality academic paper and a professional presentation.

Academic Paper

A paper that systematically analyzes some real-world problem and offers actionable solutions.

Research Portfolio

A comprehensive learning log documenting your thought process as well as the steps you followed on the path to completing your research project.

Project Poster

A poster presentation of your research that includes clear calls to action.

Video Defense

A video in which you argue for the feasibility and potential impact of your proposed solution.

Mentor Feedback

A report evaluating the practical potential of your work and recommending ways for you to continue developing your ideas.

Recommendation Letter

For outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional performance, mentors may provide a recommendation letter emphasizing their systems thinking, problem-solving abilities, and potential for impact-driven work.

View Details on Academics
06
Research Topics

Frontier Interdisciplinary Topics

Explore complex global challenges through the lens of integrated research approaches. Our topics combine multiple disciplines to address sustainability, equity, and innovation.

Sustainable Solutions for Urban Food Deserts

Disciplines Integrated: Public Policy | Urban Planning | Economics | Nutrition | Data Science

Using GIS data analysis and community surveys to identify "food deserts," and designing an integrated intervention plan combining vertical farming, public transport optimization, and micro-finance incentives.

Extended Potential Output

A policy recommendation report and a feasible business model for a specific urban district (e.g., a district in Shanghai).

Using AI for Research on Equity in Educational Access

Disciplines Integrated: Computer Science | Education | Sociology | Ethics

Developing an NLP-based AI tool to assess whether content on online education platforms contains implicit biases against students from rural areas or girls, and proposing algorithmic fairness improvements and teacher training guidelines.

Extended Potential Output

An operational framework for assessing AI bias + a set of educational equity guidelines.

Renewable Energy Transition in Developing Economies

Disciplines Integrated: Energy Engineering | Development Economics | Public Policy | Environmental Science | Business Strategy

Analyzing barriers to renewable energy adoption in developing countries and designing integrated policy frameworks that combine technical solutions, financial mechanisms, and community engagement strategies.

Extended Potential Output

A comprehensive policy framework document + a pilot implementation plan for a specific developing region.

Sustainable Solutions for Urban Food Deserts

Disciplines Integrated: Public Policy | Urban Planning | Economics | Nutrition | Data Science

Using GIS data analysis and community surveys to identify "food deserts," and designing an integrated intervention plan combining vertical farming, public transport optimization, and micro-finance incentives.

Extended Potential Output

A policy recommendation report and a feasible business model for a specific urban district (e.g., a district in Shanghai).

Using AI for Research on Equity in Educational Access

Disciplines Integrated: Computer Science | Education | Sociology | Ethics

Developing an NLP-based AI tool to assess whether content on online education platforms contains implicit biases against students from rural areas or girls, and proposing algorithmic fairness improvements and teacher training guidelines.

Extended Potential Output

An operational framework for assessing AI bias + a set of educational equity guidelines.

Renewable Energy Transition in Developing Economies

Disciplines Integrated: Energy Engineering | Development Economics | Public Policy | Environmental Science | Business Strategy

Analyzing barriers to renewable energy adoption in developing countries and designing integrated policy frameworks that combine technical solutions, financial mechanisms, and community engagement strategies.

Extended Potential Output

A comprehensive policy framework document + a pilot implementation plan for a specific developing region.

Upcycling Plastic Waste and Circular Economy Models

Disciplines Integrated: Materials Science | Chemical Engineering | Microbiology | Environmental Economics | Business Management

Researching technologies using enzymes or microorganisms to degrade common plastics (like PET) at ambient temperatures, while simultaneously designing a circular economy business model that converts these degradation products into high-value chemicals (e.g., biofuels).

Extended Potential Output

A technical feasibility analysis report + a business plan for investors.

Climate Refugees and Cultural Heritage Protection under Climate Change

Disciplines Integrated: Climate Science | Anthropology | International Law | Architectural Conservation | Political Science

Using Pacific Island nations or coastal communities as case studies to research population displacement caused by sea-level rise, and exploring strategies to protect the rights to their intangible cultural heritage within international legal frameworks.

Extended Potential Output

A case study analysis report + a policy action initiative for submission to relevant international organizations.

Digital Health Solutions for Rural Healthcare Access

Disciplines Integrated: Medical Technology | Public Health | Information Systems | Behavioral Economics | Social Work

Designing telemedicine platforms and mobile health interventions that address infrastructure limitations, cultural barriers, and economic constraints in rural healthcare delivery systems.

Extended Potential Output

A comprehensive implementation strategy + a pilot program design for a specific rural community.

Upcycling Plastic Waste and Circular Economy Models

Disciplines Integrated: Materials Science | Chemical Engineering | Microbiology | Environmental Economics | Business Management

Researching technologies using enzymes or microorganisms to degrade common plastics (like PET) at ambient temperatures, while simultaneously designing a circular economy business model that converts these degradation products into high-value chemicals (e.g., biofuels).

Extended Potential Output

A technical feasibility analysis report + a business plan for investors.

Climate Refugees and Cultural Heritage Protection under Climate Change

Disciplines Integrated: Climate Science | Anthropology | International Law | Architectural Conservation | Political Science

Using Pacific Island nations or coastal communities as case studies to research population displacement caused by sea-level rise, and exploring strategies to protect the rights to their intangible cultural heritage within international legal frameworks.

Extended Potential Output

A case study analysis report + a policy action initiative for submission to relevant international organizations.

Digital Health Solutions for Rural Healthcare Access

Disciplines Integrated: Medical Technology | Public Health | Information Systems | Behavioral Economics | Social Work

Designing telemedicine platforms and mobile health interventions that address infrastructure limitations, cultural barriers, and economic constraints in rural healthcare delivery systems.

Extended Potential Output

A comprehensive implementation strategy + a pilot program design for a specific rural community.

Ready to Drive Real-World Change?

Join GCIP and transform complex global challenges into actionable solutions that make a tangible difference.

Apply to GCIP