UCLA recognizes faculty whose work has had a lasting public impact
The UCLA Office of Research and Creative Activities annually recognizes faculty whose work significantly contributes to the public good. This year’s Public Impact Research Award recipients include Janey Rountree and Till von Wachter from the California Policy Lab, which created a model to identify and support Angelenos at risk of homelessness. Another recipient, Sharon Gerstel
collaborated with weavers in Geraki, Greece on a book project that preserves their heritage and strengthens the local economy. Catherine Juillard was recognized for her work championing surgical equity through a 17-year partnership with Cameroon’s University of Buea, enhancing trauma care access. Stephanie Pincetl
was honored for developing the Energy Atlas to drive California’s equitable renewable energy transition. And Aradhna Tripati was honored for her work to advance climate research, in part through her leadership of a center that empowers environmental justice, equipping communities with the tools to combat climate change and inequality. These scholars exemplify UCLA’s commitment to serving the public good through impactful research.
UCLA faculty members elected to the National Academy of Medicine
Thomas Carmichael, Paul Noble, and Ninez Ponce have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, recognizing their significant contributions to health and medicine. Carmichael, a neurologist, focuses on how the brain repairs itself after injuries, leading to new treatment methods for stroke recovery. Noble, a pulmonologist, has made groundbreaking advancements in treating pulmonary fibrosis, transforming it into a manageable disease through FDA-approved therapies. Ponce has dedicated her career to public health, focusing on promoting data equity and addressing health disparities, particularly through her leadership in developing the California Health Interview Survey, which analyzes access to care and racial and ethnic health inequities.
Nobel winners recount how UCLA set them on a path to the prize
UCLA alumni Frederick Ramsdell, Ardem Patapoutian, and Randy Schekman have won Nobel Prizes in physiology or medicine. Ramsdell, who attended community college before transferring to UCLA, emphasized the importance of mentorship, in his case from Sidney Golub, who encouraged collaboration and knowledge-sharing in research. The work of these Nobel laureates underscores the critical role that accessible education and federal funding play in fostering discovery and innovation. The Nobel Prize helps to demonstrate that the ultimate beneficiary of that work is society itself, which reaps the rewards of advances in medicine and science.
In his video to the UC community, President James B. Milliken reminds us that when we invest in science, America leads the world. Check it out and help us share the president’s video with your network!
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New blood test shows promise in detecting ALS early
Researchers at UCLA Health have developed a promising blood test that measures cell-free DNA to diagnose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) faster and more accurately. This test could help doctors identify ALS earlier, differentiate it from other neurological diseases, and improve treatment options, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
FDA clears heart tissue regeneration drug for clinical trials
UCLA researchers have received FDA approval to start human trials for a new drug called AD-NP1, which helps heal damaged tissues in the heart and other organs. Led by Arjun Deb, the team discovered that blocking a specific protein, ENPP1, encourages tissue repair and improves organ function after illness or injury. This innovative drug development has been supported entirely by government funding, with no industry support, allowing the researchers to maintain full control over the project. If successful in humans, AD-NP1 could lead to a new type of treatment that helps organs recover from damage more effectively.
Gene therapy delivers lasting protection in children
Researchers from UCLA and other institutions successfully developed a gene therapy that restored immune function in 59 out of 62 children with ADA-SCID, a rare but severe genetic disorder. This innovative approach employs the child's blood stem cells to deliver a healthy gene copy using a modified virus, allowing the kids to regain the ability to fight infections. The long-term study showed a 95% success rate with no serious complications.
MacArthur "Genius Grants" go to UCLA artists
UCLA alumni Gala Porras-Kim, an interdisciplinary artist, and Garrett Bradley, a filmmaker, have been awarded MacArthur Fellowships for their exceptional creativity and contributions to the arts. The fellowships, also known as "Genius Grants," provide a five-year, $800,000 stipend to support innovative individuals making significant impacts in their fields. Porras-Kim focuses on the interpretation and preservation of cultural artifacts, while Bradley blends genres to explore themes of justice and memory through her films. Both artists exemplify the influential role of creative inquiry in society and bring singular perspectives to contemporary art.
UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television holds inaugural convocation with new dean
Celine Parreñas Shimizu, the new dean of UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television, presented her leadership vision at the convocation ceremony on September 25, focusing on community collaboration and innovation. She announced new initiatives such as Picture Start, the Next Generation Speaker Series, and Ripples of the L.A. Rebellion, aimed at enhancing student experiences and expanding access to resources. The ceremony also introduced the Advocate Awards, honoring notable alumni and faculty for their contributions to the field.
Empowering the next generation of Bruin engineers
For 25 years, the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has proudly carried the name of Henry Samueli: engineer, entrepreneur, educator and visionary. His generosity and leadership shaped the school’s trajectory and global impact. In this video, the semiconductor pioneer reflects on his journey from UCLA student to industry leader, and on why he remains committed to supporting the school, its students and faculty as they continue to drive innovation and shape the future.
Interactive dashboard highlights career and education pathways
The First Destination Survey dashboard offers insights into the post-graduation plans of UCLA undergraduate students. Data for this interactive tool, which tracks employment and continuing education, is collected from UCLA's First Destination Survey, the Senior Survey, and the National Student Clearinghouse. The tool provides a snapshot of student outcomes.
Bruins Safe. Bruins Ready.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus and Community Safety Steve Lurie (’94) recently shared UCLA's emergency preparedness campaign, Bruins Safe. Bruins Ready. The initiative focuses on ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and staff, and provides practical resources, including guides and checklists. Two important UCLA departments support it: the UCLA Police Department, led by Chief of Police Craig Valenzuela, prioritizes community policing, while the Office of Emergency Management prepares for emergencies and manages UCLA's response when a critical incident occurs.
Millions of Californians struggle with costs of housing, health care
In 2024, nearly 20% of California adults expressed significant concerns about affording housing costs, an increase from previous years, and more than 15% reported taking on additional work or accruing credit card debt to manage expenses. The annual survey produced by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research also revealed that 37% of adults experienced smoke from wildfires in the last two years, with some reporting effects on their physical and mental health. Additionally, 3.1 million Californians aged 12 and older said they had been victims or witnesses of hateful acts, 500,000 more than just a year earlier.
In memoriam: Kent Wong, labor and immigrant rights champion
Kent Wong, who served as the director of the UCLA Labor Center from 1991 to 2023 and was a professor in labor studies and Asian American studies, died on October 8 at the age of 69. During his tenure, he established the center as a leading hub for research and community engagement, significantly enhancing labor education and expanding its model to multiple University of California campuses. Wong was instrumental in advocating for labor and immigrant rights, founding the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and developing programs that supported undocumented students and worker movements. His legal advocacy and commitment to social justice helped shape policies that fostered economic justice in Los Angeles and beyond.
U.S. Latinos hit new population and labor force records
In 2024, the Latino population in the United States reached over 68 million, making up one in five residents for the first time in our nation’s history. The Latino labor force grew by 5.5%, with a participation rate hitting an all-time high of 69%. This growth outpaced the non-Latino labor force. Recent findings from the Latino GDP Project indicate that the U.S. Latino GDP has reached $4.1 trillion. That is large enough to make it the equivalent of the world’s fifth-largest economy, and it is expanding so quickly that it ranks as the fastest-growing of all of those.
UCLA Extension launches Bruin Collaborative in downtown L.A.
UCLA Downtown has launched the Bruin Collaborative, a versatile sixth-floor space that will host a variety of educational programs and community events. Recently, the space facilitated an acting workshop and an alumni panel discussing the benefits of Extension's continuing education and certificate programs. This initiative enhances community engagement and access to UCLA’s educational resources, with plans for upcoming classes in acting, filmmaking, and other disciplines, along with civic forums and industry panels.
Researchers seek help determining long-term impacts of the L.A. wildfires on human health
There are still many unanswered questions surrounding January’s wildfires. We know the fires were devastating, killing 29 people and destroying more than 16,000 structures. What we don’t know is how the wildfires might affect human health in the long term. In an effort to find answers, researchers at UCLA have created the UCLA Wildfire Impacted Community Research Registry. Signing up does not obligate individuals affected by the January wildfires to participate in research but allows the team to notify individuals about future studies that explore how the wildfires and smoke exposure affect mental and physical health. The goal is to improve understanding of wildfire-related health issues, which in turn could help develop better disaster-response and public health policies.
Building resilient utilities
A summary report from UCLA, in collaboration with LADWP, identifies four areas to enhance water and power infrastructure—moving utility lines underground, improving water distribution systems, implementing advanced metering technology, and assessing wildfire risks. These priorities emerged from a workshop held in June 2025, where more than 100 experts discussed strategies and challenges to build more resilient infrastructure and improve reliability following recent catastrophic fire events. The report, titled "Innovation Opportunities for a Resilient L.A.," emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to address the escalating impacts of climate change on utilities. Several ideas from the workshop are already informing LADWP proposals and projects.
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Linking pesticides to Parkinson's
Dr. Beate Ritz, a distinguished professor at UCLA, has focused her research on the links between environmental factors, particularly pesticide exposure and air pollution, and the increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Her studies, based in California’s Central Valley, demonstrate significant associations between specific pesticides, such as paraquat, and Parkinson's, while also identifying the potential impact of traffic-related pollutants on disease development. Ritz initiated a patient registry in California to track Parkinson's cases, facilitating research and community engagement. Her ongoing work aims to establish causation between these environmental exposures and Parkinson's disease, which may influence future policy changes regarding pesticide regulation.
$20M gift will expand Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Laurie and Steven C. Gordon have committed $20 million to UCLA Health to renovate the fourth floor of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, which will increase inpatient beds by 23%. As the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital moves to a new Mid-Wilshire campus scheduled to open in summer 2026, renovation of the vacated space at Reagan will create 103 additional beds for adult and pediatric critical and acute care patients. UCLA will name the fourth floor the Laurie and Steven C. Gordon Pavilion in recognition of their generous support.
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 UCLA Health Sound Body Sound Mind (SBSM)has been a leading provider of youth health and wellness resources throughout Los Angeles for more than 25 years, transforming the lives of nearly 200,000 students annually. SBSM offers equitable access to physical education and wellness programs at middle schools and high schools by providing a state-of-the-art fitness center, fitness and nutrition curriculums, and professional development for teachers.
►New fitness center at Pacoima Middle School
On September 26, UCLA Health and L.A. Care Health Plan celebrated the grand opening of a new Sound Body Sound Mind fitness center at Pacoima Middle School—one of five new SBSM centers opening across Los Angeles this year. The event welcomed students, educators, and community leaders, including government representatives, to celebrate a shared commitment to student health and wellness. In addition to modern equipment and an inspiring space for more than 850 students at Pacoima Middle School, the SBSM program also provides innovative exercise and nutrition curricula along with professional development for teachers, supporting lasting health wellness education across schools.
