The Future of 21st Century Problem Solving

Solving today’s interconnected challenges requires more than any one individual, discipline, or even organization. It requires diverse clusters of interdisciplinary expertise and experience, each focused on a global problem and its contexts and perspectives. We call these clusters Impact Engines. Impact Engines galvanize and organize interdisciplinary learning, research, and partnerships around solving a challenge or set of challenges, with the goal of maximum impact. Impact Engines span disciplines, colleges, campuses, and industry sectors, connecting diverse communities of problem-solvers around creating measurable change. They are a key pillar of the university’s academic plan, Experience Unleashed, and a means for Northeastern to lead as an institution with broad societal impact.

Impact Engines emphasize seamless collaboration across multi-expertise, inclusive networks. Innovation emerges organically wherever challenges and research partnerships intersect. This lively ecosystem positions our faculty to work more productively with industry, government, and our local communities. Impact Engines, drawing upon Northeastern’s disciplinary strengths, are focal points for education, research, and entrepreneurship throughout our network. They aim to fully activate our Humanics curriculum while ensuring the continuous integration of ideas, people, and experiences across our network.

Please join Amy Carroll, Vice Provost for Global Impact, for this upcoming Meet the University Session.