Grand Challenges - University of Exeter

Students hard at work prepping for the big day tomorrow where they will showcase their projects. Can’t wait to see what everyone’s been working on!

Grand Challenges is about bringing students together to explore complex real-world issues through collaboration, creativity, and new perspectives 🌍

Here’s what one of our previous participants had to say about their experience.

🎮 Grand Challenges Tech Play – Streatham

Still deciding on your challenge? 👀

Join us at Tech Play to explore AI, VR, and interactive tools — and see how they can support your Grand Challenges experience. It’s also a great chance to ask questions and get a feel for what to expect before sign-ups close.

📅 30 April
⏰ 12–2 PM (drop in anytime)
📍 Expo Lab 1, The Forum, Streatham Campus

⏰ Sign-ups close 30 April — don’t miss out!

🎮 Grand Challenges Penryn Tech Play: Last Chance to Choose Your Challenge

Still deciding on Grand Challenges? This is your final call 👀

Join us for a Tech Play drop-in session where you can explore the programme, ask questions, and get a feel for what to expect - all in a relaxed, interactive space.

We’ll have VR stations and hands-on activities, so you can engage with ideas while finding the challenge that’s right for you.

📅 Thursday 30 April
⏰ 13:30–15:30 (drop in anytime)
📍 Exchange Green, Exchange Building, Penryn Campus

👉 Sign up via the link in bio

📣 Last Chance to Choose Your Challenge

Still deciding on Grand Challenges? This is your final chance 👀

Join us to explore the different challenges, meet academic leads, and ask any last questions before applications close.

Whether you’ve already signed up or are still choosing, come along and get a clearer idea of what to expect.

Already been to Choose Your Challenge? Then this is optional for you but you’re very welcome if you’d like another chance to chat to the leads.

📅 Wednesday 29 April
⏰ 13:30–15:00
📍 Henderson Lecture Theatre, Xfi Building

Save the date in your calendar now so you don’t miss it after the Easter break.

👉 Sign up via the link in bio

🔐 Secure the Future

What are the biggest security challenges shaping our world today? And how can we respond to them?

Join us for Secure the Future, an interactive mini-challenge introducing the Defence, Security & Resilience Challenge. Step into a mini think tank, explore real-world issues, and share your ideas in a collaborative space.

It’s also a great chance to learn more about Grand Challenges, meet the team, and ask any questions you might have.

No need to book, just drop in!

📅 25 March
⏰ 13:00–15:00 (drop in anytime)
📍 Expo Lab 1, The Forum, Streatham Campus

🔐 Secure the Future

What are the biggest security challenges shaping our world today? And how can we respond to them?

Join us for Secure the Future, an interactive mini-challenge introducing the Defence, Security & Resilience Challenge. Step into a mini think tank, explore real-world issues, and share your ideas in a collaborative space.

It’s also a great chance to learn more about Grand Challenges, meet the team, and ask any questions you might have.

No need to book, just drop in!

📅 25 March
⏰ 10:00–12:00 (drop in anytime)
📍 Expo Lab 1, The Forum, Streatham Campus

🌱 Future Food: Innovation Stations

What does the future of food look like? How can we create healthier and more sustainable food systems for a growing population?

Join us for Innovation Stations, an interactive mini-challenge event introducing the Grand Challenges Future Food Challenge.

Olivia, a student representative from Exeter Community Garden, will be around to chat about community action from the garden and how you can get involved with the garden.

Whether you’ve already signed up for Grand Challenges or are just curious, come along and get involved.

📅 18 March
⏰ 10:00–12:00
📍 Expo Lab 1, The Forum

✨ The Women Behind Grand Challenges ✨

Today we’re shining a spotlight on Shreya De, Programme Assistant in the Experimentation and Innovation team.

Shreya supports the delivery of the Grand Challenges programme, helping coordinate events and communications that bring together students, academics and partners to explore solutions to global issues.

With over three years of experience in events and programme coordination, she has supported more than 100 events and webinars across international organisations. Earlier in her career, a webinar series she coordinated for Cargill during the World Pork Expo was nominated for the NAMA Awards, for excellence in agricultural communications.

Alongside her role at Exeter, Shreya also volunteers with Young Enterprise Devon, supporting programmes that help young people develop entrepreneurial skills and confidence.

Swipe to read Shreya's reflections on International Women’s Day, the impact of Grand Challenges, and her advice for students looking to make a difference.

̇nternationalwomensday

✨ The Women Behind Grand Challenges ✨

Today we’re shining a spotlight on Philippa Mina, one of the academic leads behind Grand Challenges Penryn.

With over 20 years of experience in journalism, communications and strategic partnerships, Philippa has reported for major platforms including BBC, ITV, The Telegraph and The Wall Street Journal.

Her work focuses on turning complex research into clear, impactful stories that connect with the right audiences. At the University of Exeter, she leads communications for the Centre for Net Positive Climate and Health Solutions, helping bring important research on climate and health to wider audiences.

Through Grand Challenges, Philippa encourages students to explore big global issues and understand the power of authentic and compelling communication in creating change.

Swipe to read Philippa’s reflections on International Women’s Day, the impact of Grand Challenges, and her advice for students looking to make a difference.

̇nternationalwomensday