University of MN Identifies Research on
Early Language Development
as a Grand Challenge
Karen Hanson, Provost of the University of Minnesota, has selected a proposal for interdisciplinary research, Reducing Early Language Disparities — A Key to Lifelong Academic, Socioeconomic, and Health Success, as one of a small number of Grand Challenge Exploratory Research projects to be funded by her office. This project, led by Professors Liza Finestack (Department of Speech, Hearing, and Language Sciences) and Scott McConnell (Department of Educational Psychology), plans to expand the scope, investigators, and community connections of existing research — including the ongoing implementation and evaluation of LENA Start — with a clear and strong focus on early development of children at risk in ways that set the foundation for life-long learning and social wellbeing. Work will kick off later this fall with a series of meetings, discussions, and presentations across a large and diverse group of faculty, many who will be meeting for the first time. The intent is to develop at least three promising interdisciplinary research projects, each addressing unmet needs in early language development research, and support new research teams in exploring these frontiers. Both University of Minnesota and community colleagues are welcome; please contact Liza or Scott if you want more information!
