Pioneer Global Problem Solving Institute summer application deadline: May 3, 11:59PM EDT, 2026
Disabling Diseases
What will it take to reduce disease? Make health care fair? And help local communities live healthier?
In this online program for high school students, you’ll explore how cultural, biological, and biomedical factors influence illnesses like heart disease, cancer, mental health, and diabetes. And you’ll learn how to apply that knowledge to create real-world solutions.
Millions live with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These illnesses do more than affect health. They’re changing lives and communities around the world.
Chronic diseases affect millions differently. In this course, you’ll take an interdisciplinary approach to study the science, the prevalence, and the strategies for preventing and managing these conditions effectively.
Yuqin Li, Isabelle Harry, and Gabriela Gauna-Torres look at how adults can better manage psoriasis with simple, affordable lifestyle changes.
Students research how elderly patients in Makongeni, Kenya, can manage Type 2 Diabetes through medication, self-care, and lifestyle support.
Multiple terms: Spring, Summer, Fall
Weekdays: Tuesday or Wednesday evenings (60 min, local time)
Weekend: Saturday morning US Eastern Time (90 min)
Three-month program
Online, globally accessible
The biggest problems get solved like anything else: one step at a time. In GPSI, you’ll break down these massively complex global problems, design solutions, and present your work with guidance from university faculty.
Take a look at health issues in your community or one you care about. Investigate diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other preventable conditions, and think critically about solutions.
Take a look at health issues that you care about in your local community. Investigate diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or another preventable condition, and think critically about solutions.
Share your final project with faculty, peers, and potentially your school. You’ll highlight research, your thinking process, and the impact your solution can have in the real world.
Here, we flip the traditional classroom on its head. You’ll learn on your schedule, meet deadlines, and engage with faculty in a whole new way.
~2.5 Hours of Live Sessions
~4.5 Hours of Asynchronous Work
McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University
Clinical Professor and Director of the Manufacturing and Design Engineering (MaDE) Program Northwestern University
Associate Professor of Instruction, Northwestern University
Neuroscience and Psychology Disciplinary Expert, University of Notre Dame
Helen Cho, Medical Anthropology Disciplinary Expert, Davidson College
Systems & Design Thinking Expert, UNC-Chapel Hill
Program Design Consultant, Lafayette College
Biomedical Engineering Disciplinary Expert, Northwestern University
In GPSI, you’ll investigate the causes and impacts of serious health conditions and find where change is possible. You’ll conduct research, test ideas, and work with students worldwide. And then get feedback from university faculty to create a project that can make a meaningful impact.
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Thank you for your interest in Pioneer’s Global Problem-Solving Institute (GPSI). The application for the Fall 2025 terms is now available. Please select your country/region below:
