UNM teams finish two-year grant program

Albuquerque, N.M. Three research groups at the University of New Mexico finished a two-year program in early 2026. The teams addressed issues in child health, the shift to green energy, and space research. The program is part of UNM's Grand Challenges initiative.

UNM selected the three teams in September 2023. This was the first time the university ran a Level 2 Grand Challenges program. Each team had previously participated in Level 1, which supports early-stage research groups. The Level 2 phase helped the teams build partnerships and secure external funding.

The Child Health team focused on child maltreatment in New Mexico. The state has higher rates of substantiated maltreatment than the national average. In 2022, New Mexico recorded 12.5 substantiated victims per 1,000 children, compared to 7.6 nationally. The team conducted the first statewide survey on these experiences. The survey included questions about community and cultural connections to identify protective factors. The work was supported by $500,000 in congressionally directed funding and a $300,000 grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

Researchers also surveyed parents and providers in 13 counties regarding child discipline. They found widespread use of positive discipline methods. The use of corporal punishment varied by region and linked to parents' childhood experiences. In February 2025, a team researcher received $317,000 from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to study family recruitment in home-visiting programs. The team reported $1.84 million in external research funding from September 2023 through June 2026. They also produced six peer-reviewed publications. The group plans to establish a campus center for child maltreatment prevention.

The Just Transition to Green Energy team studied how the shift from fossil fuels affects workers and communities. They conducted a workforce study on oil and gas conditions in southeastern New Mexico. The team also examined 28 local governments and nonprofits seeking federal climate funds. Their work provided technical input on legislation for the Community Benefit Fund and State Match Fund. The Community Benefit Fund directs more than $200 million to local clean energy and infrastructure projects. The team received $1,178,596 in research funding. They produced seven publications and reports. The team now operates out of the new Community-Engaged Energy Transition Institute in the Center for Social Policy.

The Sustainable Space Research team established CASA Moon at UNM in 2023. This is a NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute node. It combines sample measurements and remote sensing to study the Moon. The team funded eight pilot projects with Level 2 Grand Challenges money. These projects supported graduate and undergraduate researchers in space systems, propulsion, and materials. The team also participated in NASA's Luna Recycle Challenge, exploring recycling systems for lunar missions.

In June 2026, the space team hosted a collaborative event with state universities, national laboratories, and industry partners. They aimed to develop a statewide space research network. The team also sponsored outreach events tied to the annular solar eclipse and the UNM Meteorite Museum. A space art exhibit is scheduled to open in January 2027 at the UNM Art Museum.

UNM Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher noted that success is measured by student participation and community voices. She stated that the program defines opportunities for transdisciplinary research. Rebecca Girardet, a professor in the UNM Department of Pediatrics, said the program helped foster a multidisciplinary team. Gabe Pacyniak, a professor in the UNM School of Law, said the team is better positioned to support New Mexico communities.