Seth Kahan on Grand Challenges

Grand Challenges represent the wicked problems that society faces—complex, persistent, and difficult to solve due to incomplete, contradictory, and ever-changing demands. Yet, addressing them is essential for humanity and life on Earth to survive and thrive. My work is dedicated to confronting these monumental issues.

These challenges are too vast for any single mind to fully comprehend or solve. They are multi-dimensional, with deep systemic roots that are reflected in legislation, policies, social behavior, and even individual thoughts and mindsets. These factors limit our ability to effectively address them.

However, there are models and frameworks I’ve developed to help organizations and activists collaborate in making tangible progress. These stem from my experience at the World Bank, where I’ve witnessed both the successes and failures of multinational efforts, and from my work with Grand Challenges in sectors that include maternal health in Kenya, earth science, finance, nursing, and mental health.

Guest

Dr. Ehsan Samei

Dr. Ehsan Samei, a distinguished professor at Duke University, specializes in x-ray imaging, theoretical models, and experimental techniques for medical image formation and perception. His research bridges scientific scholarship and clinical practice, advancing image quality, safety metrics, and optimizing and monitoring imaging performance. His recent work focuses on virtual clinical trials across oncology, pulmonary, cardiac, and vascular diseases, developing innovative methodologies that blend scientific principles with AI-driven approaches.

He serves as Chief Imaging Physicist for Duke Health, Director of the Carl E. Ravin Advanced Imaging Laboratories and co-PI for Triangle CERSI. Dr. Samei has mentored over 140 trainees, authored over 1,400 publications, and secured 44 extramural grants, including an NIH Program Project grant establishing CVIT. His research has earned him numerous fellowships and leadership roles, including AAPM President in 2023.

Guest appearance on:

Grand Challenge with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and Dr. Ehsan Samei