2024 Innovation Challenge

Food systems range from producing, processing, and distributing food to waste disposal and management. They are highly complicated and interconnected with various economic, social, and environmental structures; thus, changes in one aspect of the system often result in changes in another. To make food systems sustainable, i.e., capable of providing food security and nutrition for future generations, they should be made profitable, safe, acceptable to society, and with positive/neutral environmental impact. Challenges in this area include the environmental impacts of food production, food waste, and food safety.

Water is essential for human survival and, as such, central to the growth and development of nations. With the increasing global population and changing climate, managing access to safe, drinkable water and water for food production becomes increasingly challenging. Problems with water also include those that affect aquatic ecosystems. Human activities and consumption generate pollutants like ocean plastics, forever chemicals like PFAS, surface runoffs, and oil spills, which endanger aquatic species. The endangerment of aquatic species, in turn, affects the livelihood of communities and industries dependent on the health and population of these organisms.

Health challenges are intertwined with various environmental, ecological, and social factors. The changing climate influences material transport and the movement of disease vectors, resulting in the emergence of transboundary diseases. The threat of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms worsens the severity of diseases and infections. Another challenge is the timely access to healthcare. These require reliable and rapid detection strategies and efficient monitoring of pathogens on possible transmission routes. Fair access to healthcare and life-saving technologies are affected by various socio-cultural factors.

Other proposals addressing challenges not previously mentioned are also welcome. Some challenges could include biodiversity protection, deforestation, and social justice, to name a few.

1. Treat people with respect in any kind of online communication.

2. Always be respectful of others’ opinions even when they differ from your own.

3. Understand that exposure to other people’s opinions is part of the learning experience.

4. Don’t expect any individuals to speak on behalf of their gender, ethnic group, class, status, etc. (or the groups we perceive them to be a part of).

5. Do not make personal and/or insulting remarks.

6. Avoid inflammatory language, including name-calling.

7. Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm; both can easily be misunderstood, taken seriously, and/or sound offensive.

8. Respect people's privacy; do not post nor share any kind of confidential information (both yours and others).

9. Listen respectfully, without interrupting.

10. Act professionally with a collaborative spirit if working together with other individuals as part of a team.

Michigan State University strives to build an academic community with living and learning environments that expects tolerance of viewpoints and civility toward others, whether at public forums, athletic events, in residential communities, classrooms, or laboratories. Personal integrity, professional attitude and conduct, and a mutual respect for diversity of viewpoints and values are expected in this online space. Only by respecting individuals with diverse perspectives and ideas we can build an environment of civility that is conducive to advancing knowledge and transforming lives. Academic disciplinary sanctions may be applied if violating these conditions.

Claiming someone’s work as your own is plagiarism - a serious offense. Professionals who plagiarize may lose their jobs and face lawsuits. Be sure to cite all of your sources when you include any content that is not your own original thought thus giving credit where credit is due.

Answer #1: Yes! You can register as a solo participant.

Answer #2: Yes! There's no restriction in the number of members in a team.

Answer #3: Yes! The GARD Innovation Challenge encourages its participants to work on topics that they are most passionate about.

Answer #4: It is highly recommended that your pitch comes with a visual presentation so it gets understood better. A typical strategy is to prepare slides and then record yourself while presenting the slide as if you're delivering a webinar.