The Strategic Programs & Initiatives (SP&I) unit provides the critical infrastructure needed for UC researchers and creatives to take their ideas to the next level; collaborate freely across disciplines; connect with clinical, government, community, and corporate partners; and be more competitive for high value awards and fellowships recognized as particularly prestigious by the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Top American Research Universities (TARU) and the Center for Measuring University Performance (CMUP). Our programs and initiatives enable the exploration of complex challenges arising from urbanization, globalization, and technological advancements. Through basic and applied research in the arts, humanities, sciences, and technology, UC faculty and students are creating innovative and sustainable solutions to problems that matter.