Initiative to Combat Antisemitism
Chancellor Julio Frenk recently communicated a message to the Bruin Community emphasizing the need to combat antisemitism at UCLA. To tackle this issue, he announced the establishment of an Initiative to Combat Antisemitism, led by Distinguished Professor Stuart Gabriel of the Anderson School of Management. This initiative will implement recommendations aimed at enhancing education, improving complaint systems, and ensuring compliance with laws against discrimination. Frenk urged the Bruin community to unite in the effort to eliminate antisemitism and reaffirmed UCLA's commitment to combating hate, stating that the university must rise to this challenge.
What NIH cuts mean for cancer patients and their families
Cancer significantly affects American lives, with nearly 40 percent of individuals facing a diagnosis at some point in their lifetime and almost one in five succumbing to the disease. Fortunately, researchers across all UC campuses are making strides in understanding cancer causes and developing effective treatments. That work has led to a 33 percent decline in the overall cancer death rate since 1991, roughly 3.8 million lives. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) allocates around $8 billion annually for cancer research, a critical investment that has generated substantial economic benefits and job creation. However, recent proposed cuts to NIH funding threaten to impede progress in cancer research and treatment. Researchers emphasize that continued financial support is vital for
advancing breakthroughs that could improve patient outcomes.
As President Trump implements his economic policies, including mass deportation of undocumented workers and tariffs, uncertainties loom over the U.S. and California economies. The UCLA Anderson Forecast indicates GDP growth will decline by about one percentage point due to these measures, with unemployment projected to rise to 4.5 percent by early 2026 and inflation expected to hover around 3 percent for the next two years. Historical trends suggest that large-scale deportations reduce the non-immigrant workforce, negatively impacting employment, while the tech sector may benefit from an emphasis on H1B visas. California faces significant housing challenges, which complicate the economic landscape further. Despite these issues, a recession is not predicted in the near term, though
potential contractionary effects remain concerning as consumer spending patterns weaken and financial sector vulnerabilities surface.
Anderson’s Energy Innovation Conference highlights the need for public-private partnerships
As Los Angeles prepares for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, local leaders, businesses, and community organizations are focused on how to approach the games with sustainability in mind. The recent Energy Innovation Conference at UCLA Anderson, hosted by the student-led Energy and Cleantech Association and the Center for Impact, also addressed the urgent need for sustainable urban development in the wake of the January 2025 L.A. County wildfires. With a theme centered on Sustainable Cities, the conference highlighted critical discussions around climate resilience, urban design, and public-private partnerships. Keynote speaker David Hochschild, chair of the California Energy Commission, emphasized California's leadership in renewable energy solutions, urging attendees not to
underestimate the state's potential to forge pathways toward a sustainable future.
WATCH: Community members volunteer Westwood Homeless Count
More than 150 volunteers participated in the annual Westwood Homeless Count, part of the L.A. Homeless Count which provides critical data on homelessness throughout L.A. County and helps government agencies and policymakers determine where funding and resources can be most effectively allocated to combat homelessness. Many Bruins, including Dr. Felicia Knaul and Professor Randall Kuhn along with students, staff and alumni were among the scores who fanned out across the Westwood neighborhood to help enumerate those experiencing homelessness in the area.
UCLA tops public universities in 2025 Sloan Research Fellows
Six UCLA faculty members received 2025 Sloan Research Fellowships, highlighting UCLA’s leadership among public colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. This achievement reflects the university’s dedication to nurturing exceptional early-career researchers in fields such as chemistry, computer science, and neuroscience. Adam F. Falk, president of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, noted that these scholars showcase the creativity and rigor propelling scientific discovery. Since 1955, the fellowships have recognized 184 UCLA faculty members, many of whom have gone on to receive further prestigious awards, including Nobel Prizes and the Fields Medal.
UCLA experts and colleagues have addressed frequently asked questions following the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, which devastated communities and raised concerns about water supply systems. A team from UCLA's Luskin Center for Innovation and the Latino Policy and Politics Institute, along with Arizona State University, offers clear answers about firefighting, water infrastructure, and fire hydrants. One such answer, addressing complaints that fire hydrants lacked pressure in response to the Palisades and Eaton fires: Fire hydrants “are specifically designed and maintained to provide fire flow for urban fires, but not for wildfires”.
The vital role of climate and weather science
UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain recently spoke about the critical role of weather and climate science at the Stand Up for Science rallies, where he expressed his opposition to significant staffing cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service. In a recent briefing, he highlighted how federal changes have disrupted weather and climate science in the U.S. and globally. Swain warned that mass firings at NOAA jeopardized public safety and economic resiliency, compromising life-saving roles and vital data resources.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s docket this term could include rulings that will reach into such areas as gender-affirming care, gun rights, and immigration policy. A recent analysis by experts at UCLA School of Law delves into how these decisions could reshape protections for marginalized groups and influence governmental authority.
As Sylvia Lydon ’25 embarks on her journey at UCLA School of Law, she focuses on advocating for incarcerated individuals after dedicating eight years to studying prison reform. A new highlight of her legal education comes from the Prisoners’ Rights Clinic
, where Lydon and fellow student Michaela Firmage ’25 delivered oral arguments in the pivotal case Avila v. Felder before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Their successful representation of a client suffering from inadequate medical care showcases the clinic's impact. Founded in 2020 and supervised by Professor Aaron Littman, the intensive clinic empowers students to tackle civil rights issues by representing incarcerated people. The clinic secured victories in all five cases decided in 2024, including the landmark Sheltra v. Christensen decision that reshaped rules for administrative remedies in ongoing rights violations.
A new report led by UCLA Luskin’s Jasmine Hill highlights the ongoing challenges for underrepresented groups in investment access. The findings are a report card on the PledgeLA initiative, launched by the Annenberg Foundation and the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles to measurably increase diversity, equity and community engagement in the tech sector.
On February 4, more than 40 women policymakers, researchers, and business leaders convened at the UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento for the Latina and Black Women Entrepreneurs Policy Forum, hosted by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute. The event examined structural inequities facing Latina and Black women entrepreneurs in California and explored data-driven policy solutions to foster equitable economic opportunities. One goal of that work is to ensure these women are at the center of policy in the rebuilding of Los Angeles in the wake of the January 2025 wildfires.
Flu cases surge; vaccine rates decline UCLA epidemiologist Annette Regan explains why this flu season is different from last year’s and how to help reduce the spread.
UCLA receives $20 million for new lung health center The new center, made posible by a gift from the Saul and Joyce Brandman Foundation, will support medical research and training focused on chronic lung disease.
Supporting Communities: UCLA's Impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Instituteaddresses domestic policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization, and leadership development to propel policy reforms that expand genuine opportunity for all Americans.
