2025 UT Grand Challenges Summit

Collaborating to Strengthen Tennessee’s Future

Feb. 13-14, 2025

Rural Health representatives talking to a Grand Challenges Summit Attendee.

Contact

For more information, please contact:

John Lacey

Systems Strategist and Our Tennessee Advertising Manager

jlacey2@tennessee.edu

Summit Highlights

The Grand Challenges Summit convened over 400 individuals from the UT System, state and local government and various community organizations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The energy was unmistakable as university experts, educators and community leaders came together, united by a shared purpose: to address some of Tennessee’s most pressing issues. 

Download 2025 Summit Schedule 
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A Gathering of Minds and Missions

Facilitating collaboration was the focus for the event as attendees made new connections that could shape the future of their work. One participant reflected, “I met some people that I didn’t know; learned things about other programs at various campuses that will be helpful in my work.” Another added, “This was a great event affording representatives from across the system to come together, obtain highlights from each campus and learn firsthand from the sources making a difference and how they are accomplishing it. I went in with minimal expectations but left with great contacts and a better understanding of what is happening across our system and state.”

The conversations went beyond polite introductions — they laid the groundwork for real action. As one attendee put it, “I’m very impressed with the number of connections and new partnerships I’ve made in the two days of the summit.” 

Turning Ideas into Action

One of the most exciting aspects of the summit was seeing ideas and introductions transform into tangible partnerships. Among the new collaborations:

    • UT researchers connected with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to enhance K-12 educator training.
    • UT Health Science Center and UT Knoxville Engineering working together to improve healthcare delivery and medical products.
    • UT Martin’s Coon Creek Science Center connected with educator preparation programs across UT campuses to enhance science education.
    • The UT Southern-led Rural Disability Resource Network connecting with UT Chattanooga’s Rural Assessment Intervention Library (RAIL) to expand behavioral health resources for students.

These partnerships exemplify the UT System’s role as a catalyst for statewide impact — bridging disciplines, fostering innovation and addressing real-world problems.

This was a great event affording representatives from across the system to come together…and learn firsthand from the sources making a difference and how they are accomplishing it.”

Summit Attendee

Inspiration from Leadership

In a powerful closing keynote, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo challenged us to see the greatness in others — and say something about it. His message was clear: recognizing people’s value isn’t extra, it’s essential. When we take time to lift others up, we build stronger communities, deeper trust and a culture where everyone thrives.

Dr.Joe Sanfelippo

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

Looking Ahead

The momentum generated at the summit continues to grow. New working groups and follow-up meetings will ensure that these conversations evolve into sustained action. The UT System remains committed to facilitating collaboration and driving meaningful change, ensuring that the relationships and ideas sparked at the summit translate into lasting benefits for Tennesseans.