Horizons 2025 Challenges
The Horizons competition invites undergraduate students to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. These complex, multifaceted issues require innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. Participants work in teams, choose one of the following "wicked problems,” and develop a proposal that addresses the problem from a unique perspective.
The Challenges
Space
Living in Space
Prioritizing sustainable, livable environments that support human health and well-being in space.
Equitable Access to Space
Ensuring equitable access to the benefits and opportunities of space exploration for all.
Energy
Supporting Communities in Transition
Developing strategies to support communities affected by the changing workforce requirements of the energy sector.
Energy Options for Utah
Identifying feasible energy options for Utah, considering sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Infrastructure Resilience
Designing resilient energy infrastructure that can withstand climate change, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters while supporting flexible load and supply profiles.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Assessing Future Impact
Developing frameworks to assess and predict the long-term societal impacts of AI technologies.
Ethical Standards for AI
Establishing and promoting ethical standards for AI training and use.
Education
Improving Core Skills and Critical Thinking
Addressing concerns about standards in fundamental competencies such as mathematics and English, while enhancing future ready skill such as media literacy and critical thinking skills in American schools.
Climate Change
Water Scarcity
Developing sustainable water management practices to ensure access to clean water for all.
Food Security
Creating resilient, sustainable food systems that adapt to climate change and ensure food security.
Housing
Affordable Housing in Utah
Developing innovative solutions to address Utah's housing affordability crisis.
Healthcare
Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
Creating healthcare systems that provide affordable, accessible care to all.
Shrinking Health Disparities
Implementing strategies to reduce health disparities and ensure equitable health outcomes.
Cybersecurity
Building Resilience
Developing resilient cybersecurity systems that protect individuals, organizations, and critical infrastructure.
Mental Health
Mental Health Crisis
Understanding and addressing the apparent rise in mental health issues, particularly among younger people, considering factors such as increased awareness, reduced stigma, and potential increases in prevalence rates.