Your voice is our strength. Stand up for UCLA
Now is our moment to demonstrate the strength of Bruins. UCLA is more than a campus; it’s a community that enriches lives and shapes futures. Share how UCLA has inspired or transformed your life or those you care about. Your story can make a difference.
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Share your voice: Help us protect and promote UCLA research
The suspension of our federal research funding is not only a loss to the scientists whose research has come to a halt. It is a loss for all Americans whose work, health and future depend on the groundbreaking work we do.
Government funding made the birth of the internet possible at UCLA
Fifty-six years after UCLA computer scientists sent the first computer-to-computer message, groundbreaking work continues in Boelter Hall. Professor Leonard Kleinrock describes the importance of government funding in developing ARPANET, the internet's predecessor. That project occurred during a time when federal spending on science reached nearly 2% of the U.S. gross domestic product (today, it amounts to less than 1%). This support led to major innovations in technology and medicine, some of which have revolutionized modern life.
From stroke to Alzheimer’s research, grant freezes halt UCLA advances
Lauri Mattenson, a lecturer at UCLA Extension, experienced life-changing recovery from a stroke thanks to groundbreaking research and an FDA-approved therapy from UCLA led by Dr. Jeffrey Saver. With hundreds of millions in federal grants now frozen, crucial neurological research at UCLA, which explores treatments for stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other conditions, faces significant setbacks. That vital work is now in peril.
Bringing research home
Elle Rathbun, a neuroscience Ph.D. candidate in UCLA’s Department of Neurology, is from the small town of Durango, Colorado, and she knows the importance of getting help quickly after a stroke. Today, she is conducting research using innovative biomaterials to replace damaged tissue and aid brain recovery after such a medical emergency. UCLA’s focus on innovative research, exemplified by Rathbun’s work, highlights the university’s role in addressing health challenges, as this treatment could be crucial for rural areas where limited access to hospitals delays care and increases the risk of severe stroke outcomes.
UCLA researchers tackle cancer
UCLA plays a pivotal role in the fight against cancer. Researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, led by talented scientists like Dr. Dennis Slamon, have created significant therapies such as Herceptin for breast cancer and Xtandi for prostate cancer. Their dedication to understanding cancer at a molecular level not only provides hope for patients but also paves the way for new, innovative treatments that enhance the quality of life for those battling this disease. Millions of people have benefited from this work.
Promising melanoma treatment
UCLA researchers have demonstrated that pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, can effectively shrink or eliminate tumors in patients with unresectable advanced desmoplastic melanoma, a challenging skin cancer type. In a clinical trial, nearly 90% of participants experienced significant tumor reduction, with many maintaining remission long after treatment. This study highlights the potential of pembrolizumab as a promising option for treating a cancer subtype that previously lacked effective therapies, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment research.
AI watching AI
UCLA researchers have created an innovative AI tool called AQuA that helps improve digital pathology by spotting errors, known as realistic hallucinations, in virtually stained tissue images. With an impressive accuracy rate of 99.8%, AQuA can find mistakes that even experienced pathologists sometimes miss. This technology promises to speed up disease diagnoses including cancer and cut down on the time and resources required for traditional staining methods. As generative AI becomes more common in healthcare, AQuA could play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnoses, leading to better health outcomes.
UCLA researchers unveil AI-powered tool to map wildfire fuel
Researchers at UCLA have developed FuelVision, an innovative tool that uses satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to quickly identify wildfire fuel sources. In tests involving California's Dixie and Caldor fires, FuelVision achieved 77% accuracy in mapping fuel sources, making vital wildfire risk data accessible to local agencies and researchers. The system operates autonomously, requires no ground surveys, and is adaptable for use across forested areas. By offering a user-friendly interface, FuelVision aims to support emergency responses and long-term wildfire mitigation strategies.
L.A wildfires and job loss
A recent report from the California Policy Lab at UCLA reveals that unemployment claims surged between 12% and 17% following the January 2025 wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The study demonstrates that the economic impact of the fires extended beyond the fire zones themselves, affecting workers in South and Central Los Angeles and beyond, especially in low-wage industries. Service sector employees and individuals with lower education levels faced the greatest job losses, emphasizing the crucial role of unemployment benefits in supporting those affected by natural disasters.
Firearm suicides increasing among older women
A recent study led by researchers from UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and Boston University highlights a troubling rise in firearm suicides among women aged 65 and older. From 2014 to 2023, nearly 40% of suicides in this group involved guns. Although older men still have higher suicide rates overall, the growing trend among older women emphasizes the urgent need for better mental health support and tailored interventions as the population of older Americans continues to increase. The study calls for open discussions about firearm safety and access to mental health care to help address this critical issue.
UCLA scientists tackle ovarian cancer
UCLA researchers have developed an innovative immune cell therapy called CAR-NKT cell therapy that could significantly improve the treatment of ovarian cancer, which, although rare, poses a serious health concern for women. This new therapy allows for mass production from donated blood stem cells, making it more affordable and accessible than traditional personalized treatments. By using special immune cells that can target several areas of the cancer at once, CAR-NKT therapy works to outsmart the cancer and reduce the chances of it coming back aggressively after treatment.
Rare mutation in autism risk gene connects family with researcher
Joe and Karen Henry discovered that their son Franklin's challenging behaviors are the result of a rare genetic mutation known as NR4A2-related neurodevelopmental disorder, thanks to advanced testing and research at UCLA. Professor Daniel Geschwind, a leader in autism genetics, used Franklin's blood samples to create organoids that mimic brain development. This research enhances the understanding of how NR4A2 impacts the brain and contributes to developing new therapies for autism.
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
Launched in 1969, Design for Sharing (DFS)delivers free performances and interactive art-making workshops to students from public schools across greater Los Angeles. Operated by UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance, the program facilitates access to professional artists from around the world and local educators, offering an annual series of performances and in-school residencies. DFS serves K-12 public schools in the region at no cost, providing educational materials and activity guides to enhance student engagement. Since its inception, the program has served more than half a million students from hundreds of schools, with a focus on fostering creative exchange and exposure to university settings.
