Our research powers progress
The fall issue of UCLA Magazine is out today. Read about the latest achievements and advances happening at UCLA and find out how students, faculty and alumni are making an impact far beyond the campus.
UCLA Chancellor Frenk: Cutting federal research hurts U.S.
In an op-ed in FedScoop, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk highlights some of the life-changing and life-saving breakthroughs, including the birth of the internet, the polio vaccine and FM radio that were made possible by long-term research supported by the distinctive partnership between U.S. universities and our federal government. “The model that has powered this miraculous progress,” Frenk warns, “is under threat."
Did you know? UCLA and Los Angeles are proudly leading innovation and entrepreneurship in 2025
► UCLA is a Top 50 'Ignition School' for future entrepreneurs and innovators | Fast Company 2025 ► UCLA #4 top public university entrepreneur list, #3 MBA founders and #5 female founders | Pitchbook 2025 ► UCLA #1 publishing organization in Los Angeles (12,600 articles)| WIPO 2025 ► Los Angeles ranks 10th largest innovation cluster globally and 4th in the United States| WIPO 2025
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Chancellor check-in video
Chancellor Julio Frenk takes a moment to celebrate big wins for the UCLA and UC community in a recent video message. From Nobel-winning research that saves lives to MacArthur Fellowships recognizing creative scholarship, these honors remind us that Bruins continue to shape a better world through discovery, creativity and collaboration.
Alumni recognized for Bruin Excellence in Civic Engagement
Congratulations to the 40 alumni honored with the 2025 Bruin Excellence in Civic Engagement award, from police officers to activists, policy advocates to public school teachers. This recognition highlights their contributions to improving community quality of life, engaging with civic issues, inspiring change, and expanding the Bruin network through political and non-political efforts.
UCLA faculty ranked among the world’s most influential
Clarivate’s annual list recognizes the world’s most influential scholars, a distinction reserved for only one of every thousand researchers. UCLA’s 39 honorees reflect the depth and impact of Bruin research.
UCLA-led study on Myanmar’s deadly 2025 earthquake
A team of scientists from UCLA studied the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025. They found that it caused one of the longest and fastest ruptures ever recorded on land, affecting about 530 kilometers of the Sagaing Fault. The earthquake caused significant destruction, including building collapses, and highlighted the need to reassess seismic risks in similar regions.
State-of-the-art AI and robotics device arrives at UCLA
UCLA is now home to a new robotic system called CellXpress.AI that automates the process of growing and studying cells and tissue. This technology, created by Molecular Devices and funded by a NIH grant, manages meticulous and time-intensive tasks such as liquid handling, cell incubation, and data analysis with the help of artificial intelligence. CellXpress.AI helps researchers work more efficiently and produces consistent results, especially in growing organoids, which are miniaturized models of human organs. With the automation of routine tasks, scientists can focus on more complex aspects of their research.
UCLA and NBA legend’s Skyhook Foundation and Adidas give UCLA Community School students new gear
Earlier this week, UCLA alumnus Kareem Abdul-Jabbar visited the UCLA Community School to champion education through his nonprofit, the Skyhook Foundation. He and volunteers handed out 500 pairs of Adidas shoes and backpacks. The basketball legend inspired students by emphasizing the importance of dreaming big and gaining knowledge, while also highlighting the need to support kids in marginalized communities. The students also learned about Camp Skyhook, a five-day program in the Angeles National Forest that fosters teamwork among students from diverse backgrounds. The hands-on curriculum, developed by UCLA and NASA, focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Serving students from TK to 12th grade in Koreatown and Pico Union, UCLA Community School partners with LAUSD and the UCLA School of Education to promote equity and community engagement, with over 90% of students planning to attend college.
UCLA Extension welcomes downtown community groups
The new Bruin Collaborative at UCLA Downtown is open, and UCLA Extension is actively building relationships with the surrounding neighborhood. In late October, Extension leadership hosted meetings with key community stakeholders, including the Historic Core Business Improvement District and the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association. Extension organizers invited attendees to share input about how the space can best serve local needs. The Bruin Collaborative initiative promotes networking opportunities and partnerships between UCLA Extension and local residents and businesses.
UCLA supports & highlights transfer student success
On October 21, leadership and staff from the UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) participated in a Resource Fair at Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) as part of UCLA Transfer Day #BruinBound.
CCCP seeks to increase transfer rates and success of transfer students from underserved areas. This event provided students with information on the process of transferring to UCLA or another UC campus, as well as opportunities to ask questions and receive guidance. A formal program was held to highlight the success stories of former LAVC students who transferred to UCLA and later graduated. During the event, UCLA presented LAVC with a Community Partner banner to highlight this longstanding partnership.
With more than 400 community programs and more than 1,400 community partner collaborations across the region, UCLA is deeply connected to the communities it serves. To learn more about these partnerships, visit the UCLA Community Partnerships website.
New partnership has L.A. made in the shade
The ShadeLA
initiative, which UCLA and USC are leading, works to increase Los Angeles' urban tree canopy and shade infrastructure to counter rising temperatures, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods. The initiative includes tree planting, shade design competitions, and community engagement. On November 5, Los Angeles Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Nithya Raman introduced a motion to enhance city coordination for ShadeLA efforts. The motion directs city departments to assign liaisons and identify programs and data relevant to shade and cooling projects. Additionally, it requests the Bureau of Engineering to report on existing processes and recommendations for expanding shade, potentially including expedited permits for shade structures.
Keeping California children cool
With heatwaves increasing, there is a growing need for improved access to air conditioning; a new UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation report focuses on that issue. The report outlines actionable strategies for policymakers, including establishing indoor temperature standards, tracking cooling access in schools, and prioritizing equity in funding for high-need areas. Data from the Luskin California Poll points to significant gaps in air conditioning access among families, particularly those in low-income communities. The report is intended to serve as a guide for aligning investments in public health, school modernization, and community resilience with the goal of protecting children's health and education.
Altadena prefab housing showcase
cityLAB-UCLA has organized a public showcase in Altadena featuring six prefab housing options as communities recover from the January 2025 wildfires. The display runs throughout November and is located at 2231 Lincoln Avenue showcasing models from various developers. The Altadena Prefab Housing Handbook
, developed with input from residents, provides homeowners with guidance on navigating prefab housing, including cost, financing, and timelines. Prefab homes on display can cost between $90,000 and $200,000, significantly lower than traditional homes. The initiative aims to support wildfire survivors and address broader housing needs in the region.
2025 redistricting battles: A conversation with Xavier Becerra
On October 28, the UCLA Voting Rights Project (VRP) and UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs hosted a Luskin Lecture
with Xavier Becerra, former member of Congress from Los Angeles, California Attorney General and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Becerra joined voting rights experts (including VRP Faculty Director Matt Barreto) to examine high-stakes redistricting battles ahead of the 2026 elections. The panel contrasted California’s independent, citizen-led commission with politician-controlled processes in Texas and Florida, and analyzed Proposition 50, the ballot measure that passed earlier this month that authorized temporary new congressional maps through 2030 to counter gerrymandering in other states.
Veterans, students, leaders connect at UCLA celebration of service
UCLA held its annual Veterans Day reception to honor the contributions of veterans and military-connected students. Chancellor Julio Frenk and Tony DeFrancesco, the executive director and chief liaison of UCLA Veterans Affairs Initiatives and Partnerships, delivered remarks featuring veterans' contributions to the university and campus life. A highlight included the presentation of the Veteran of the Year Award, recognizing U.S. Army veteran Daniel Martin for his mentorship and support in navigating education and career transitions. Attendees shared experiences and expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit of the event.
What California needs to do to meet high school graduation requirements for 2030
The class of 2030 will be the first required to take an ethnic studies course to graduate from high school in California, so researchers at UCLA and Stanford assessed the support and training needed to prepare educators to do their part to make that possible. The researchers found that 77% of teacher preparation programs offer training relevant to ethnic studies instruction. However, this may not be sufficient to meet the upcoming state graduation requirement. Additionally, the inconsistent quality of ethnic studies instruction across institutions and the absence of supplementary state funding present significant challenges for effective teacher training.
Native birds and flowers come to life
UCLA Transportation has transformed traffic signal control cabinets across the UCLA campus by replacing fading vinyl wraps with vibrant art. This project, part of the UCLA Semel Healthy Campus Initiative, features murals created by L.A.-based artist John Park, showcasing indigenous species and themes of sustainability and wellness. The designs draw attention to eco-friendly practices, including recycling and alternative transportation. The boxes are located at visible campus spots, with plans for further enhancements, including a parklet and additional mural art.
Broxton Plaza
Saturday, December 6
3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
UCLA Health
New treatment program improves survival for patients with colorectal cancer
A new study led by UCLA found that combining zanzalintinib and atezolizumab helped patients with metastatic colorectal cancer live longer and control their disease better than with the standard treatment drug regorafenib. The combo also slowed cancer growth and caused more tumors to shrink. This promising therapy could give patients more treatment options when standard methods stop working.
UCLA Health gynecologist leading global effort to end female genital mutilation
Dr. Aparna Sridhar, a professor at UCLA, is leading an effort to combat female genital mutilation (FGM), which affects more than 230 million women and girls worldwide, and often leads to serious health complications. She co-authored a statement from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) that unites healthcare professionals in condemning FGM as a harmful practice and as a human rights violation. The statement encourages advocacy, education, and support for survivors while addressing the need for better training and resources for medical providers in regions still practicing FGM. Dr. Sridhar also plans to leverage virtual reality and other technology to improve surgical training for healthcare workers facing these challenges.
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 Exploring Your Universeis UCLA's largest science outreach event, launched in 2009 and held annually on the first Sunday in November. This event, traditionally hosted in the Court of Sciences, draws thousands of visitors from across Los Angeles and is entirely organized and run by graduate and undergraduate student volunteers. Its mission is to provide a hands-on learning experience each year for all ages and all backgrounds.
