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Welcome to Research Development: Bridging Barriers

Our Grand Challenges are Moonshots

Bridging Barriers is a Research Development Initiative that serves as an incubator for high-impact interdisciplinary projects at The University of Texas at Austin. We achieve this by supporting researchers from across the Forty Acres as they form broad teams tasked with identifying urgent issues — and figuring out the best way to solve them in less than a decade. UT researchers are partnering with communities, nonprofits, local government agencies, and industry leaders to design solutions that have real-world impact.

 

Annual Reports

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Project Highlights

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Good Systems

Seeks to build AI systems that will link city datasets to improve the design, development, and management of smart cities, using the City of Austin as a model.

Upcoming Events

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Contact us

mailbridgingbarriers@austin.utexas.edu

phone512-471-2877

Latest News

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residents' meeting
February 4, 2026
Planet Texas 2050
From Local Advocacy to National Spotlight
Microscopic view of virus particles near a ventilation system highlighting concerns about airborne transmission and indoor air quality (generated with AI)
February 5, 2026
Whole Communities–Whole Health
Air Apparent

Bridging Barriers Support Team