This workshop introduces a new concept for international collaboration to meet global challenges. Finding practical ways to meet the complex challenges we face requires the expertise of researchers across the world. SAVI offers a dynamic mechanism for research teams to pursue big questions by linking multidisciplinary and multi-institutional efforts. SAVI builds on partnerships initiated by NSF-funded researchers and offers a variable structure for innovative, international collaboration. At this workshop, SAVI researchers will describe the genesis and goals of their virtual institutes and discuss opportunities for working across national, institutional, disciplinary, and cultural borders to address global challenges.