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In the first of this academic year's Grand Challenges special initiatives, the Grand Challenge of Cultural UnderstandingÌýrecently invitedÌýproposals addressing the theme of Dynamics of Globalisation.

The processes of circulation of people, objects, ideas and capital subsumed under the term ‘globalisation’ are not new. Globalisation has long presented many challenges and opportunities to societies, communities and economies around the world with the increased flow of peoples across national boundaries, the free movement of capital, and the exponential growth of global communication technologies. The late 20th-century excitement over the multiple transformations made possible by accelerated circulation has given way to concern over concomitant processes of withdrawal. Globalisation seems to produce friction as much as flow: local and regional identities are being revived, states are attempting to reassert their sovereignty by controlling the movement of people and goods, and everywhere the ability of global capitalism to improve lives is being questioned. It can be argued that recent political events such as the election of Donald Trump, Brexit, and the rise of populism across Europe are direct consequences of the impact of globalisation. Ideologies of ‘purity’ are gaining traction in the face of radical uncertainty.

GCCU's Dyamics of GlobalisationÌýinitiative therefore aims toÌýfacilitate and encourageÌýcross-disciplinary discussion and interdisciplinary scholarshipÌýto shed light on how theÌýprocesses of globalisation interact, and on how we may improve our ability to live with difference in meaningful and sustainable ways.

The initiativeÌýgenerated significant interest, with applications to a value of £33,910 received from researchers drawn from across UCL. Seven awards have now been made to a value of overÌý£19.3°ìÌýfor the work of seven pairs of applicants.ÌýThe full list of awards made under theÌýinitiative is detailed below.

Reports on the research and outcomes of their work will be included on the Grand Challenges website and blog in due course. WeÌýlook forward to sharing the findings and impacts from each of the projects.