The loss of federal funding is a loss for America
Chancellor Julio Frenk recently updated the community on UCLA’s efforts to safeguard its research mission amid a suspension of approximately $584 million in federal funding, principally from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The suspension significantly impacts groundbreaking research, including studies that could lead to life-saving therapies and new technologies, affecting not only the university’s faculty, students, and staff but all who rely on these scientific advancements. The university, in close collaboration with the UC Board of Regents and UC Office of the President, is actively developing contingency plans and will continue engaging the Bruin community through town halls and office hours. The university is committed to
facing this defining moment as a community, and will continue to stress that the implications of this suspension go far beyond the campus or even California.
Share your voice: Help us protect and promote UCLA research
The suspension of our federal research funding is not only a loss to the researchers who rely on critical grants. This is a loss for Americans across the nation whose work, health and future depend on the groundbreaking work we do.
Share with us the ways in which UCLA research has impacted you personally:
Stand Up for UC
The federal government’s demand of $1 billion from UCLA would devastate one of the nation’s best public universities, cut off life-saving care, halt tech and economic growth, and reduce educational access.
From medical therapies that save lives to technologies that grow the U.S. economy and research that protects our national security, Americans across the country depend on the University of California.
Right now, we need your help. We must stand together to protect our students, staff, faculty, and our mission.
Federal funding at work: UCLA School of Nursing research is impacting the world
The UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing stands out as a leader in nursing research, where faculty members blend clinical knowledge with scientific inquiry to enhance patient care and health policy. Researchers like Barbara Bates-Jensen have developed groundbreaking tools, such as the SEM Scanner, to detect pressure injuries before they become visible, significantly improving outcomes for vulnerable patients. The school's diverse research areas tackle critical health issues, from cardiovascular health to the effects of childhood trauma, emphasizing a commitment to improving community health through innovative solutions.
Federal funding at work: Science breakthroughs save lives
Melvin Mann, diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 1995, enrolled in clinical trials for Gleevec, a drug that targets a specific cancer causing protein. Supported by decades of federally funded research, Gleevec transformed his prognosis, allowing him to live a longer, healthier life. In the mid-1980s, with support from the National Institutes of Health, UCLA professor Owen Witte made a discovery that led to the manufacturing of Gleevac a few years later. This breakthrough, one of untold thousands, underscores how government investment in science builds upon prior such investments to ultimately yield treatments that improve outcomes for patients, demonstrating the tangible impact of sustained research funding on public health.
UCLA student champions science investments
Erin Morrow, a Ph.D. student in cognitive neuroscience at UCLA, leads a student-led effort to advocate for sustained federal investments in science funding. Diagnosed with a heart condition at age 20, she survived thanks to a pacemaker developed through federally supported research. Now, she heads the McClintock Letters initiative, encouraging students to write to local newspapers about the importance of research. Her leadership has resulted in 140 published articles across 40 states.
UCLA scientists reprogram stem cells to create renewable cancer-fighting T cells
UCLA scientists have successfully demonstrated the ability to reprogram a patient's blood-forming stem cells to continuously produce functional T cells, which are crucial for targeting cancer. This innovative approach, led by UCLA physician-scientist Theodore Scott Nowicki and a team of experts, may provide a new method for delivering immunotherapy, potentially offering long-term protection against cancer recurrence. While still in early stages and not yet a widespread treatment, this study marks a significant step towards creating a renewable immune defense for patients battling hard-to-treat cancers.
A surgeon’s second calling: Gene therapy for the brain’s energy crisis
UCLA Professor Gerald Lipshutz is dedicated to helping families dealing with creatine transporter deficiency (CTD), a rare condition that impacts about 1 in 225,000 children and causes significant delays in speech and movement. With a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, his team is developing a one-time gene therapy to improve the lives of children like Lucas Allen, pictured above with his dad, who suffer from CTD, showing promising results in animal trials, though additional funding is vital to adapt it for human use.
Latino Climate and Health dashboard reveals air pollution’s toll on Latino health
Latino communities in California often experience poor air quality at even higher rates than others, leading to elevated rates of asthma-related emergency visits. Last month, the Latino Policy and Politics Institute unveiled the Latino Climate and Health Dashboard - an interactive tool that delivers county-level data on environmental and health risks, empowering policymakers, and advocates to craft targeted solutions. By translating research into actionable insights, the dashboard aims to improve air quality and health outcomes in these neighborhoods.
The true cost of driving
As part of his continuing study of Los Angeles's persistent traffic and housing issues, UCLA Professor Michael Manville emphasizes the crucial role of pricing in urban planning. Driving, he says, is underpriced, which contributes to congestion, while restrictive land-use policies inflate housing costs. Drawing inspiration from Singapore, which has successfully introduced congestion pricing, Manville advocates for similar models to improve traffic flow and reduce pollution. He focuses on equipping the next generation of urban planners to understand complex trade-offs while encouraging them to listen to diverse perspectives for real change in their communities.
UCLA engineers design mattress for bedsore prevention
Researchers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed an innovative mattress to combat bedsores, a common issue for bedridden patients. Equipped with more than 1,200 actuators, springs, and sensors, the mattress automatically adjusts pressure based on a patient’s body size, enhancing blood flow and comfort. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on staff repositioning patients every two hours, this technology offers a scalable, efficient solution, potentially improving care for millions of patients every year.
Veterans pave new professional pathways
Army veteran Ineka Smith recently completed a Cybersecurity certificate through UCLA’s VetJET program, designed to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian careers. Working alongside nearly 100 peers, Marine Corps veteran Marcos Gutierrez benefited from this no-cost, tailored training. VetJET equips participants with in-demand skills, bridging their military experience to opportunities in today’s competitive job market.
Popular exhibit highlights Indigenous fire practices
The Fowler Museum at UCLA extends its exhibit Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art through April 2026. The display examines how Indigenous communities used controlled burns to manage land, a practice disrupted by a modern emphasis on fire suppression. With wildfires increasing due to human caused climate change, the exhibit reframes fire as a tool for ecological renewal, offering lessons from Native traditions for modern land stewardship.
UCLA Voting Rights Project analyzes redistricting
The UCLA Voting Rights Project has published an analysis exploring mid-decade congressional redistricting in California. It argues that the state Legislature has the authority to redraw districts outside the typical post-census cycle, a move Texas is already pursuing. As Governor Gavin Newsom weighs this option, the report provides data and legal insights to inform potential changes.
L.A. is ready to welcome the world’s best in 2028! The Olympics and Paralympics will not only showcase incredible athletes, but also our city’s creativity, spirit, and culture.
UCLA Health earns top honors - again UCLA Health has been recognized for its exceptional patient care, earning the top ranking in both Los Angeles and California according to U.S. News & World Report's latest analysis, making it part of the honor roll for the 36th consecutive year. Ten of the center’s medical specialties ranked in the top 10 nationwide, with high performance noted in all evaluated procedures and conditions. This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of UCLA Health's medical professionals, who consistently strive to provide high-quality, compassionate care across their extensive network of more than 280 clinics and five medical centers in Southern California.
Nearly 90% of ER patients are missing vaccines A recent study co-authored by UCLA Health researchers found that nearly 90% of emergency department patients haven't received essential vaccines, with about half unaware of the recommendations. This highlights serious gaps in preventive care for underserved populations, who are disproportionately among the under-vaccinated. Conducted in eight U.S. cities, the study revealed that about 50% of unvaccinated patients would accept vaccines during their visit, suggesting a significant opportunity for emergency departments to boost vaccination rates.
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
Founded in 2007, Operation Mendprovides specialized healthcare to post-9/11 service members and veterans facing physical and psychological wounds from combat or military service. Established in collaboration with UCLA Health, the U.S. military, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Operation Mend serves as a national model for academic-military partnerships. The program offers advanced surgical and medical treatment alongside intensive outpatient care for PTSD and traumatic brain injury, all at no cost to participants. Family members play a vital role in the healing process, receiving travel, lodging, and support services. Operation Mend's holistic approach focuses on the long-term needs of veterans and their families, emphasizing dignity, resilience, and successful reintegration.
